Ferrari [ Images ] struck an early blow on Monday with their 2008 car lapping quicker than the new McLaren [ Images ] in Formula One's first official test of the year in southern Spain.

World champion Kimi Raikkonen [ Images ] set the pace in Jerez with a lap time of one minute 19.845 seconds, according to the unofficial circuit timing.

Brazilian Felipe Massa [ Images ] was second fastest in the other Ferrari, with McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa third on the timesheets in 1:20.548 after sitting out the morning session due to the steady rain.

Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso, who will not be introducing their 2008 car until after the opening long haul races of the season, were fourth with German Sebastian Vettel [ Images ] at the wheel.

Brazilian Nelson Piquet junior made his first appearance for Renault [ Images ] since he was confirmed as a full race driver, with Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso [ Images ] due to test on Tuesday in last year's car.

Lewis Hamilton [ Images ], the championship runner-up who partnered Alonso at McLaren last year, will also be in action on Tuesday.