Fri, Nov 19 10 11:46 PM
New world champion Sebastian Vettel was back in action and new tyre supplier Pirelli returned to Formula One on Friday with the first post-season test involving all 12 teams in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who had struggled to get heat into the Bridgestone tyres in qualifying last season, was fastest overall ahead of Red Bull's 23-year-old German.
Vettel, who won his title at the Yas Marina track five days ago to become the sport's youngest title holder, suffered a failure with his car's right rear tyre in the closing minutes although Pirelli said debris on the track was the likely cause.
Teams said first impressions were positive, with the new tyre's basic balance and performance similar to that of the Bridgestone that has been used exclusively in recent seasons.
"I think the tyres behaved well, better than expected given the short amount of time Pirelli have had and they've done a good job," said Vettel.
"Pirelli are obviously in the middle of their development and what we used today is not what we will race with, but it was a good start.
"It was great to be back in the car after an incredible week," added the German. "2011 started today and I was focusing on the tyres and getting to know them. I think we have learned quite a lot."
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery was pleased with the way the first day had gone.
"We're gathering plenty of useful information and valuable suggestions, as well as some encouraging comments," he said in a statement.
"So far, I would say that everything has gone according to plan. In particular we are very pleased with the reliability and stability of our tyres as well as with the turn-in performance of the front tyre," he added.
"The lap times set by all the teams have been excellent, and they have each covered a lot of ground as can be seen from the number of laps run."
Pirelli last supplied Formula One teams with tyres 19 years ago, with their last race win coming in Canada in 1991 with Benetton.
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