BM🔴W Sauber driver, Jacques Villeneuve set the pace Monday, as F1 testing moved to the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona.

The Canadian was the only driver to brea☂k the 1 minute 18 second bracket - with a 1m 17.240s, eight tenths up on Gary Paffett, who was second for McLaren. JV completed 85 laps in the new BMW Sauber F1.06, while working on basic set-up, while his eng💃ineers also conducted some aerodynamic measurements.

Villeneuve's team-mate, Nick Heidfeld was also on track, the German managing 82 laps in the interim BMW Sauber - the C24B. He spent෴ the day working on several aerodynamic configurations as well as testing the latest tyres supplied by Michelin - his best lap a 1m 18.469s.

McLaren were the only other team in action, Paffett second fastest as previousl💟y mentioned. The Brit was running in the MP4-20 and like Heidfeld was conducting tyre tests.

Pedro de la Rosa meanwhile made the headlines by conducting a shakedown test with McLaren's 2006 car - the new MP4-21. Despite beginning work early this morning though and conducting an installation lap at 09.15 hours local time, he ended the day with just 19 laps on the 🌳board, an oil pressure problem forcing him to sit out most of the afternoon session.

"Today's first test with the MP4-21 has provided us with some useful feedback," said de la Rosa. "Unfortunately we had a problem with t✤he oil pressure, which was why I stopped out on track shortly before lunchtime. However this is why we test, to work out any such problems and I think that considering it was a shakedown everything went well."

F1 testing ๊now continues on Tuesday - when Ferrari, Honda and Red Bull Racing will join proceedings, before Wednesday sees the arriꦇval of Renault, Toyota and Toro Rosso.

Leading times (23 January) - Barcelona:
Jacques Villeneuve BMW Sauber 1m 17.240s 85 laps M*Gary Paffett McLaren-Mercedes 1m 18.066s 76 laps M Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes 1m18.252s 19 laps M*Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1m 18.469s 82 laps M

[M denotes Michelin tyres / * denotes 2006 car.]

Track conditions: Cold but sunny.

All times unofficial - courtesy of McLaren.

Comparative lap times:

Spanish GP 2005:

Fastest lap: Giancarlo Fisichella Renault-Renault 1min 15.641secs