Feb.28 (GMM) The final group test of the 2008 pre-season concluded late on Wednesday afternoon, but the cry of formula one engines in Europe will be heard again before - and while - the circus travels to Australia for the opening grand prix.

After Toyota's Jarno Trulli topped the times with a low-fuel dash in Barcelona, official Formula One Management freight - including the cars - is due to begin the journey to Melbourne next Thursday.

Ferrari's equipment, however, will apparently make its own way from Italy, with the Maranello based team confirming that Luca Badoer is due to shake down the Melbourne-spec F2008s at Fiorano on that very day.

McLaren will make the March 6 deadline, but only after some last-minute aerodynamic testing on the runway of the Spanish island of Menorca early next week.

Honda's Brackley factory, meanwhile, has completed four versions of its RA108 single seater, meaning that two will fly to Australia next week while the others clock up more miles at an exclusive test at Jerez.

At the Spanish circuit, the Japanese team's new car - dead last as Barcelona testing wrapped up on Wednesday - will finally be equipped with the definitive Melbourne bodywork.

"We have been doing a lot of work to overcome our handling issues but the pace and the lap times are not there yet," Jenson Button said.