Valencia to host first new-car showdown

(GMM) Leading F1 teams' newly-launched cars for 2007 will go head-to-head from Tuesday as the sport gathers for its first major test of the year.

Although key runners have been in action for private tests, the 'Circuit de la Comunitat Ricardo Tormo' – otherwise known as Valencia in Spain – is to be the scene of a bumper three days of action.

Only Spyker and Toro Rosso will sit out the session, as Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, BMW-Sauber, Toyota, Honda and Red Bull put their brand new machines on track.

Kimi Raikkonen is slated to make his debut in the F2007, while Williams and Super Aguri continue to run with their 'interim' cars. Williams is to launch its new FW29 on Friday, and Spyker next Monday.

Valencia action will run daily from 10am (local) until 5pm, before the circus heads off to Barcelona and Jerez and then Bahrain for its second annual test.

The season-opening Australian grand prix will be raced on March 18.