2010 F1 testing begins in Valencia

After a three-month drought, Formula 1's regular drivers are back out on-track on Monday for the first time since the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of last year. With Valencia kicking off proceedings, the limited time is crucial as teams strive to develop their new cars before the start of the new season next month. The last time an official F1 test took place was the sport's first ever young driver session at Jerez in December although this week's running marks the moment of truth for many teams as their latest contenders take to the race track for the first time.

Testing kicks off with this week's 3-day meeting in Valencia before Jerez take over for the next fortnight's worth of running. Off-season outings in Spain come to a close in Barcelona on Sunday 28 February. Also this week, Virgin Racing will debut its car with a private shakedown run at Silverstone on Thursday and Friday.

Monday's line-up for Valencia is as follows:

McLaren Gary Paffett

Mercedes Nico Rosberg (morning), Michael Schumacher (afternoon)

Ferrari Felipe Massa

Sauber Pedro de la Rosa

Williams Rubens Barrichello

Renault Robert Kubica

Toro Rosso Sébastien Buemi