7.12.06

It hardly seems credible, but the post-Schumacher era has already started at Ferrari. Last week the F1 teams tested at Barcelona and this week they were at Jerez. The tests are interesting because all of the teams are on Bridgestone tyres following Michelin's petulant withdrawal at the end of last season.

Ferrari were quickest last week in Barcelona, courtesy of test driver Luca Badoer, though Felipe Massa was quickest for two of the three days. This week Massa was quickest yesterday, with Badoer second, though McLaren's latest signing Lewis Hamilton was quickest today.

Kimi Raikkonen was a surprise visitor to the Ferrari garage today, though in mufti, not driving or talking to journalists, since he is contractually prohibited from doing anything public for Ferrari until the new year. He joined the Scuderia's technical briefing and spent some time chatting to Felipe Massa.

These are uneasy times for the tifosi and Raikkonen's appearance may be to counter concerns about his commitment and work ethic compared to Schuey. Massa has nicked the "next year is my Champ year" speech from David Couthard. He should reflect that DC's still waiting...

It's ironic that with Alonso having moved to McLaren and not being allowed to test until January, and Renault with no top-class driver, the bloke who's year it could have been is probably at home in Switzerland cooking the kids' fish-fingers.