Nelson Piquet

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was the fastest man on the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps last Tuesday, three days of testing this week began in Belgium. Hamilton clocked a best time of 1m 46.613s put his team on top of the timesheets.

The 22-year-old Briton has been just over four tenths of a second faster than Robert Kubica BMW Sauber. The center uses its new race car that use much more powerful and striking the BMW 3 Series parts .

Hamilton focused on aerodynamic tests for the next Grand Prix of Belgium, which will take place on the circuit of Spa in September. The British driver has also made several long runs and the beginning of a practice. Teammate Fernando Alonso will have more rights to drive on Wednesday, although changing weather conditions may limit the double world champion in race time.

Kubica, meanwhile, has launched the BMW Sauber test extensively. The center focuses on the work developed and tested a variety of different aerodynamic settings, while evaluating new mechanical components. It will continue to test for two days of the session. Ferrari Felipe Massa, who completed 64 laps, finished third with a full 0.8sec off pace Hamilton.

Toyota, Ralf Schumacher and Renault tester Nelson Piquet Jr completed the top five. Having been disappointing in the race Toyota last weekend at Silverstone, the Japanese team had a productive day evaluating tires for the Belgian event. Schumacher covered 70 laps and will be back in the car on Wednesday. Californian Scott Speed did not drive, as his teammate Tonio Liuzzi was charged with driving duties for Toro Rosso and announced the eighth time better.

Today, triple Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais will board the STR2 for this third test with the Italian team based. After an absence of two years, the Belgian Grand Prix returns to the calendar this season. The race will start on September 14 and ends on 16.

"It is good to have the chance to test here before the race because it allows us a glimpse of the new track layout," said Gerd Pfeiffer, director of Toyota's test team.

"There were some changes made around the start-finish area of the tower and there is also a new tarmac around that area. This gives everyone a useful head start for the Belgian Grand Prix. We are also preparing for upcoming races and we have some work on the registers and other systems today. We have completed our program without major problems if it was a positive day, "said Pfeiffer.

Piquet Jr., the tester Renault, 52 laps in the R27. Although the program Piquet was slightly delayed by an electronic glitch in the late morning, the French team was pleased with the progress. "We managed to make the most of the afternoon and the results are very interesting," said Christian Silk, the engineer squad chief test. "We are focused on preparing for the Grand Prix Belgium, but not just because we are also trying to move forward in our overall development program - we are working hard. Nelson said he was very pleased with the overall balance of the car. "

The sixth was the fastest David Coulthard, who focused on the aerodynamic work at the Red Bull. A little over four hundredths adrift of the Scotsman was James Rossiter, Super Aguri tester. Toro Rosso, Vitantonio Liuzzi took eighth slot after a busy day evaluating tires, set-up and downforce.

Williams driver Nico Rosberg finished ninth after covering 60 laps in the FW29. Just two tenths on the German market was Honda tester C.