Nick Heidfeld staked his claim for Robert Kubica’s Renault seat on Saturday by topping the times on his debut for the team in testing at Jerez. Heidfeld, who raced for Sauber last season, edged out Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso to go fastest of the 11 drivers in action in Spain.
Friday pacesetter Michael Schumacher was third quickest for Mercedes GP, over half a second down on Alonso and less than a tenth ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.
Testing will continue at Jerez on Sunday.
Saturday test times from Jerez:
1. Nick Heidfeld, Renault, 1:20.361
2. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:20.493
3. Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP, 1:21.054
4. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:21.099
5. Kamui Kobayashi, Sauber, 1:21.242
6. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:21.574
7. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso, 1:21.681
8. Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus, 1:21.711
9. Rubens Barrichello, Williams, 1:22.227
10. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:22.945
11. Jerome d’Ambrosio, Virgin, 1:25.471
