Alguersuari quick ahead of the Spanish rains

As expected, rain arrived this morning at Jerez as nine teams continue to test their new championship challengers. The rain held off for the first hour of running allowing some dry running with Jaime Alguersuari setting the pace for Toro Rosso Ferrari.

Alguersuari recorded a best lap of 1:19.919s, eight-tenths clear of Pedro de la Rosa in his Sauber. The Spanish veteran did however lose a little track time with a mechanical problem, but was soon back in action.

Adrian Sutil was third fastest as he completed his first run in the new Force India Mercedes, while Felipe Massa took over the Ferrari from Fernando Alonso and recorded the fourth fastest time. Sebastian Vettel was fifth for Red Bull ahead of Vitaly Petrov, Nico Rosberg, Rubens Barrichello and Lewis Hamilton.

Virgin Racing had hoped to get their test back on track after wing mounting problems halted their programme yesterday. However, the expected parts have yet to arrive ensuring the new Cosworth-powered VR-01 remained firmly in the pits. The new team are currently targeting a return to the track at 3pm local time.

With rain in the air, it is unlikely that anyone will improve their times at the moment as they are lapping in the region of ten seconds off the best dry weather times. The conditions are also making it somewhat tricky for the drivers with Rosberg and Barrichello spinning and bringing out the subsequent red flags.

A full report from soggy Spain follows at the close of play...