[megasprut]

So from 19th to 22nd January we will finally get first comparisons between the newly-launched 2009 challengers, when TF109, MP4/24 and also FW31 and R29 (both will be launched tomorrow) will be testing at Algarve. Also Red Bull obviously with its 09-interim car. Ferrari was supposed to test together with them, but due to bad weather in Portugal has opted for Mugello.

BMW will launch on January 20, but for now they have decided to start preparing for the new season away from other teams by testing alone at Valencia from 20th to 22nd Jan.

Anyway, exciting days are coming. With limited testing opportunities during '09 the importance of having a car, which is quick straight out of the box, is even bigger. Can't wait for tomorrow. First signs and discussions about "who is where in the pecking order of 2009."

[h0ldem]

Here they go!

Portimao, Portugal:

McLaren (using 2008 rear wing, and new exhaust covers others than the ones from the launch):



Toyota (installed a grill instead of KERS ):



Renault (with the block nose, and the McDonalds Mustard/Ketchup livery):



Williams, sorry it already crashed.

Laptimes around noon:

1. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR3 (2008 car) 1:41.528 29 pit
2. P. de la Rosa McLaren MP4-24 (2009 car with 2008 rear wing) 1:46.076 +4.548 22 pit
3. N. Hülkenberg Williams FW31 (2009 car) 1:46.335 +4.807 16 pit
4. K. Kobayashi Toyota TF109 (2009 car) 1:50.989 +9.461 24 pit
5. N. Piquet Jr. Renault R29 (2009 car) 1:52.448 +10.920 12 pit



Somewhere else a real beauty:

[h0ldem]

Looks like the red car is doing wonderful.
Even if the rain didn't give up all day long, Kimi put 54 laps on it with no technical problems being reported.

[megasprut]

A shame the weather was so bad at Portimao today, so it's really difficult to evalute, how was any car performing. I see that most teams have given youngsters the opportunity to put in the first laps of their new cars. Interesting choice to me - wouldn't it be more valuable to let a more experienced driver give the first feedback of a new challenger?

[RarensussyRen]

The Ferrari looks great from that angle.

[Aozozbag]

Renault (with the block nose, and the McDonalds Mustard/Ketchup livery)

[Michmant]

i love the Renault, it looks like a proper 70's throwback

[Loxaeed]

That Ferrari looks sensational.

[GoveMoony]

That Ferrari looks sensational.

[h0ldem]

And another one of the beautiful red machine:

[h0ldem]

Different wake behind the 2008 and 2009 cars:

[h0ldem]

A great comparo of the 6 new single seaters already launched:

http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/viewto...0bdf58fe8ca478

[h0ldem]

Adding a picture might get the kids interested about it so here's the picture from the above link:



Credits: http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/viewto...0bdf58fe8ca478

[Grarypealumma]

Adding a picture might get the kids interested about it so here's the picture from the above link:



Credits: http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/viewto...0bdf58fe8ca478

Superb pictures ioan

If these pictures are to scale, and they look to be, it seems the comparison we were using before was wrong.

Ferrari has the 3rd shortest wheelbase and is shorter than the McLaren.

Also the water trails are very telling. Looks like the new FIA aero regs have done the job and credit to them.

[Varbaiskkic]

Renault will run the coolest funkiest car ever.

[Hujkmlopes]

Renault will run the coolest funkiest car ever.

An F1 car is only truly beautiful when it is winning every other Sunday!

[HaseBeceDeemy]

Adding a picture might get the kids interested about it so here's the picture from the above link:



Credits: http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/viewto...0bdf58fe8ca478

Nice find.

[h0ldem]

Different wake behind the 2008 and 2009 cars:

Sorry guys, it seems that the pics don't work anymore.

Try searching them directly on www.f1today.nl, if I'm not mistaken they were taken during yesterday's chilly test session in Portugal.

[h0ldem]

Up to date comments from the Portuguese test track:

http://translate.google.com/translat...istory_state0=

It's only the funny google translation of a Dutch site, but it's all I've got.

[SzefciuCba]

Sorry guys, it seems that the pics don't work anymore.

Try searching them directly on www.f1today.nl, if I'm not mistaken they were taken during yesterday's chilly test session in Portugal.

THe pics still work

I'm not sure if the wake is that different, the sunlight seems to highlight the wake of the 2008 car quite a bit