Bahrain Grand Prix winner Felipe Massa was the pace-setter at Barcelona today, as nine teams began their preparations for the forthcoming Spanish round of the World Championship. Weather conditions were sunny but windy with a short rain shower late in the afternoon.

Although the timesheets show that Massa was 2.4s quicker than his nearest rival, Alex Wurz, it should be pointed out that the Brazilian's best time was posted on slick tyres in anticipation of their reintroduction next season. His quickest time on 2008-spec tyres was 1:22.007.

In addition to set-up work, the Italian team's technical programme focussed on the testing of new aerodynamic components, including a radical new nose, featuring a hole in the upper surface aimed at increasing downforce. Should the nose be successful, it is understood that it will be used at the race later this month.

Alex Wurz began Honda's programme, with Rubens Barrichello due to drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Jenson Button concluding the running on Thursday.

The Austrian's focus for the day was an evaluation of the slicks, as development of the tyres continues. Wurz completed 75, finishing 2.446s down on Massa.

For McLaren, Pedro de la Rosa also focussed on slick tyre testing, however, the Woking team also found time to try out a new rear wing (above) in anticipation of the 2009 regulations. With this in mind, the car was set up to be as aerodynamically close as possible to the 2009 regulations. Lewis Hamilton is on duty tomorrow.

Nick Heidfeld worked on the aerodynamical and mechanical setup of the F1.08, in addition to trying different engine mappings in preparation for the forthcoming Grand Prix.

The German made a precautionary stop in the afternoon when an alarm light came on, however, the team was able to continue with its program as scheduled. While several teams were testing parts according to 2009 regulations - hence the difference in times - BMW is leaving its 2009 programme until later in the week.

Nelson Piquet was on duty for Renault as the French team experimented with several upgrades to the R28. The Brazilian spent the day evaluating the changes to the car, and completed some general set-up work, a programme which the team will continue with for the rest of the week. On a day when most teams tried out new parts, the R28 tried out a new front wing. Fernando Alonso joins the team for the next couple of days, while Piquet returns to the cockpit on Thursday.

"It was another good day of work," said Piquet. "The track conditions were good, so there were no problems there and we had a productive morning. Unfortunately I lost some time in the afternoon and so I did not do as many laps as I would have liked. We tried some new things but the more interesting work will come later in the week."

"The morning programme ran very well and so it was a solid day of work with the only delay coming at lunchtime," added Christian Silk. "The car is working very well and the factory has made a huge effort to get the car ready for this week. We just need to carry on this good work for the rest of the week."

David Coulthard was at the wheel of the Red Bull. In the morning he concentrated on general chassis and aerodynamic work and in the afternoon he evaluated slick tyres.

Seventh quickest was Kazuki Nakajima in the Williams, the Japanese driver completing 72 laps and finishing 3.8s shy of Massa's time.