Rising star makes perfect start for new team

Seb Vettel topped the timesheets on the second day of testing in Barcelona, silencing those observers who believed the young German made a mistake by leaving Toro Rosso to take a seat in an apparently slower car.

However, as good as Vettel’s first day at the new office was, it’s still far too early to glean anything from testing, as each team is experimenting wildly with new aero parts ahead of the new season. For example, the two Ferraris, driven by Luca Badoer and Marc Gene, finished down in 12th and 13th.

The most interesting aspect of the Barcelona sessions is the Toro Rosso drive-off between Seb Buemi, Seb Bourdais (what is it with Toro Rosso and Sebs?) and Takuma Sato.

So far, Sato is looking very strong - but we know he can be very fast, if not consistent. The Japanese veteran was fastest of anyone on Monday, and set the second-quickest time yesterday. But with the two Sebs not far behind, it’s impossible to say which two drivers Toro Rosso will choose. This is how close the race is. Tuesday’s times:

2. Takuma Sato 01:20.017 (79 laps completed)
3. Sebastien Bourdais 01:20.034 (48 laps)
4. Sebastien Buemi 01:20.223 (99 laps)

We’re actually most impressed by Buemi, who is by far the most inexperienced driver of the trio. And as much as we love Taku, we’d still go with the two Sebs for 2009.

Picture credit: Kate Sumbler, 2007