Test: Alesi's perfect day

The AMG Mercedes man lapped in 48.770s, leading a 1-2-3-4 result for the works team. Bernd Schneider, who was quickest in the opening session, was second fastest overall by two-tenths, but he was a further tenth clear of young guns Christijan Albers (last year's winner here) and Gary Paffett.

"We had already been working hard on the car during the first two sessions; it's now perfect," said Alesi. "I'm very optimistic about the entire racing weekend."

Peter Dumbreck was best of the rest as Opel put Audi in the shade for once. He outpaced series leader Mattias Ekstrom (Audi) by 0.042s to take fifth position.

"The basis is right and I'm confident," said Dumbreck. "We're got a new engine modification here, and we've got a bit more at the top end. It doesn't feel much stronger, but it's obviously having a positive effect on laptimes."

Timo Scheider (Opel) was seventh fastest, ahead of the year-old Mercedes of Bernd Maylander. The lack of downforce of the 2003-spec CLKs isn't a hindrance at the Norisring, due to its point-and-squirt nature.

Jean Alesi, Mercedes C-Class, 48.770s
Bernd Schneider, Mercedes C-Class, 48.995s
Christijan Albers, Mercedes C-Class, 49.107s
Gary Paffett, Mercedes C-Class, 49.129s
Peter Dumbreck, Opel Vectra GTS, 49.166s
Mattias Ekstrom, Audi A4, 49.208s