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Published: Friday February 13, 2009 MYT 1:21:00 PM

Hamilton leads testing of 2009 F1 cars

JEREZ (Spain): McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton led the pack of drivers testing out this season’s Formula One cars on Thursday.

The F1 champion was quickest of the four 2009 cars testing at the Jerez circuit with a fastest lap of 1 minute, 20.737, ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull, Kazuki Nakajima of Williams and local favorite Fernando Alonso of Renault.

Hamilton’s testing focused on trying out new regulations, including the KERS energy recovery system and getting used to a new feature which will see drivers manually control their front wings.

“Today’s test gave me the first opportunity to drive MP4-24 in warm, dry conditions and I’m very encouraged by what I felt,” the 23-year-old Hamilton said.

“The car feels strong, very similar to last year’s car, in fact. It doesn’t take long to get used to the new buttons in the cockpit but the real test for everyone now is to understand the slick tires ahead of the first race in Melbourne next month.”

F1 has introduced a rash of regulation changes in a bid to cut costs after Honda pulled out of the sport in December.

Although FIA president Max Mosley is pushing for KERS, it is not mandatory for cars to use the hybrid technology for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 29.

French driver Sebastien Bourdais set the overall pace with a best time of 1:18.493 in last year’s Toro Rosso car.

Ferrari, BMW Sauber and Toyota’s testing session at the Bahrain International Circuit was cut short for the second straight day due to a sand storm. - AP

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