Mugello test, day 1: Rubens on top

Barrichello got within two tenths of his previous best time at the Italian circuit while completing tyre and set-up work for the Italian team. The Brazilian finished the day almost one and a half seconds ahead of Jordan's Jean Alesi in second place.

On a rain-soaked day, teams were unable to complete as much running as they would have liked as heavy downpours interrupted the afternoon session.

British American Racing test driver and newly-crowned British Formula 3 Champion Takuma Sato continued to dazzle in third spot. The Japanese ace completed his first running on wet tyres and was suitably impressed.

"I was amazed about the braking in the wet," said Sato. "There's not much difference from the braking points in the dry. The wet tyres are just amazing."

Sato's F3 team mate and fellow BAR test driver Anthony Davidson finished fourth fastest just seven tenths behind and had an impressive first day, despite a heavy smash during the morning which ended his running, (click here for separate story).

The Minardi team is due to join the ranks on Wednesday with Malaysian Alex Yoong behind the wheel as he prepares for his F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix in just under two weeks' time.

Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer was also on duty completing the second flank of testing for the Scuderia at Fiorano. The Italian set a best time of 1m00.371s, completed 75 laps and carried out eight practice starts.

The Benetton team was also in action at the Danielson circuit in France. Sportscar ace Oliver Gavin was behind the wheel for the Enstone-based outfit for the first of a four-day test and concentrated on low downforce set-up work for the Italian Grand Prix. Jenson Button is due to start at Magny-Cours on Wednesday, until the end of the week.


Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari B, 1m24.67s, 36 laps
Jean Alesi, Jordan-Honda B, 1m26.09s, 51 laps
Takuma Sato, BAR-Honda B, 1m26.93s, 38 laps
Anthony Davidson, BAR-Honda B, 1m27.64s, 31 laps