Sauber alone at Mugello with Heidfeld

The German completed 79 laps with a fastest time of 1m 23.81s, as the Swiss team continued its build-up to next weekend's US Grand Prix. His was the only car on track all day.

"Our purpose today was to continue tyre assessment and evaluation in preparation of Indianapolis, in conjunction with a program of further aerodynamic development," said test team manager Jacky Eeckelaert. "Our programme focused on optimising traction and mechanical grip for the infield at Indianapolis, which is a very twisty and slow circuit, halfway between Hockenheim and Spa, whilst also honing the efficiency of the set-up.

"Our aerodynamic programme will assist us in this task from the fast-banked corners and all the way down the long pit straight," he added. "Tomorrow, we will continue our work on mechanical set-up and braking efficiency and stability, which is particularly important for the first corner at Indianapolis. We will also carry out some tyre work for Bridgestone for the last race of the 2001 season, the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka."

Heidfeld said: "We had a very good day of work. It always is a good feeling to be the only team on the track and to be able to continue the programme without any interruption. In this situation one saves a lot of time. We finished the programme for the day and ran trouble-free all day long."
Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer was also in action at its test track at Fiorano today. He drove a total of five F2001 chassis, three of which will be used in the United States and Japanese Grands Prix, and two development cars featuring electronics, tyres and components for 2002. Badoer completed a total of 97 laps and his best time was 59.806s. He will be back in action in Fiorano tomorrow.