ROME, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ferrari Tuesday was back measuring itself up against its Formula 1 rivals but with the advantage of needing to pay less attention to tires.

    This is because the Italian team has been one of the few to use Bridgestone tires, which all teams must mount next season, while the others used Michelin.

    The tests in Barcelona at the Catalunya circuit are the first since the end of the 2006 season, just over a month ago and the first of three pre-Christmas sessions, according to the local media reports.

    Ferrari put Felipe Massa on the track with test driver Luca Badoer filling in for team newcomer Kimi Raikkonen, who is still under contract with McLaren until the end of the year.

    Also absent from the tests is world champion Fernando Alonso, who will race next year for McLaren but remains under contract with Renault.

    This was not a problem for Mark Webber who made his debut with Red Bull with the blessing of his old team, Williams.

    Another no-show was Jenson Button, but this is because of the injuries he sustained in a karting accident.