Alonso is fastest on Day 3 in Valencia

Fernando Alonso continued his impressive Ferrari debut, setting the fastest time of the week during the morning session at Valencia.

Despite being only 29 laps into his Ferrari career, and Wednesday’s running is first opportunity to drive the new F10, Alonso quickly proved that he is going to be a force this season.

Over 25,000 fans arrived at the Valencia circuit on Wednesday morning, eager to see the Spaniard in action upon his Ferrari debut. But added to the Spaniard’s outing an interesting tussle between Alonso, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher was also on the cards.

Massa finished the first day of 2010 testing on top

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa finished the first day of 2010 testing at the top of the timesheets, rounding off a successful return to the current F1 machienary after a six-month lay-off from competitive action. The Brazilian was giving the F10 its track debut and completed an impressive 102 laps over the course of the day, the quickest in 1m12.574s.

Weather conditions at the Spanish venue were dry and sunny all day, although temperatures remained relatively low throughout, rising to an ambient high of just 15°C, while the track temperature peaked at 20°C. Nevertheless, the stable conditions allowed teams to run their programmes without interruption.

Ferrari launches it’s 2010 car F10

Ferrari have become the first team to officially launch their 2010 car after unveiling the F10 on Thursday. The machine will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, as they attempt to return the Italian squad to title contention following a difficult 2009 season, which saw the team score just one victory.

Team principal Stefano Domenicali kicked off the event’s proceeding, introducing Alonso and Massa to the assembled guests before finally revealing the car.

The F10 is the 56th single-seater produced by Ferrari to contest the world championship and, weather permitting, will make its track debut on Friday at the team’s Fiorano circuit, with Massa behind the wheel. The Brazilian, who missed the last few 2009 races after being seriously injured in an accident, was thrilled to be back.