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Thursday February 19, 2009

Raikkonen fastest in Bahrain test session

SAKHIR (Bahrain): Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was fastest in a Formula One testing session on Tuesday, although the Italian team missed out on three hours of track time because of a KERS malfunction.

Raikkonen set a fastest lap of 1:32.102s at the Bahrain International Circuit to edge Jarno Trulli of Toyota by about one-tenth of a second. BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld was further behind.

Ferrari used trouble-free weather to test various set-ups and their Kinetic Energy Recovery System until a problem with the cooling unit left Raikkonen’s Ferrari pitted for awhile.

“Nevertheless there was one positive aspect, as the team was able to experiment with an emergency in case of a KERS failure,” Ferrari said in a statement.

The hybrid technology stores energy under braking to provide an extra boost to help increase overtaking chances. KERS is not mandatory on F1 cars this season.

Trulli was pleased with Toyota’s progress after covering more than 2,000km over three days of driving.

“It seems competitive and reliable, so a start like this gives us a solid base for the season ahead,” the Italian driver said.

“So far so good.”

The season begins at the Australian Grand Prix on March 29. — AP

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