2009 testing to resume at Jerez on Tuesday

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Formula One cars return to the track this week as pre-season testing recommences in Spain and Bahrain. With the first race of 2009 little more than three months away, development work will continue in earnest at the Jerez and Sakhir circuits.

Most teams begin a three-day test at Jerez from Tuesday, though Williams started a day early to give another outing to Formula 3 Euro Series racer Dani Clos following the Spaniard’s F1 debut with the team back in September. Toyota, meanwhile, will be running solo in Bahrain from Wednesday.

Most teams relied on test drivers at last month’s Barcelona session, but Jerez can expect to see some well-rested race drivers returning to action. Among those due back in the cockpit for the first time since last month’s Brazilian Grand Prix are McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

As for the cars, the hybrid machines seen recently at the Circuit de Catalunya should be looking slightly closer to their final 2009 spec, as the teams continue to get to grips with slick tyres, KERS and the drastic changes to the aerodynamic regulations before - in most cases - rolling out their new machines in mid to late January.

There are a handful of race seats still unconfirmed for 2009, so some teams will doubtless use the session to evaluate potential candidates. Look out for Japanese star Takuma Sato behind the Toro Rosso wheel, after being invited back for a third test with the Italian team.

As always, Formula1.com will bring you breaking news, daily reports and the latest images from testing, so check back throughout the week for the latest on the teams’ progress. Note - all schedules are provisional and subject to change.