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Barcelona 3: Ralf rules

Ralf Schumacher set the fastest time in testing at Barcelona for the second day in succession today (Wednesday), as the Williams-BMW FW26 continues to demonstrate that what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in speed

The German completed 64 laps of the Spanish track, setting a best time of 1m15.620s, shaving 0.090s off his quickest lap from yesterday and further lowering the unofficial lap record. Juan Pablo Montoya had to settle for second best for the second straight day, although he was just 0.039s slower than his team-mate.

Nico Rosberg also drove for the team, albeit in a 2003 FW25. The Finn completed an impressive 78 laps in what was his third F1 test for Williams.

Fernando Alonso was third fastest for Renault in the race-winning R23. The Spaniard completed 101 laps, the most of any driver present. Team-mate Jarno Trulli was 10th quickest driving the new R24.

Rubens Barrichello was in action for Ferrari, and set the fourth fastest time of those present. "We're just testing tyres," he said. "There are several new constructions and compounds that we have to test."

Some-time Ferrari tester Felipe Massa spent his second day behind the wheel of the new Sauber, completing a solid 88 laps. "It's getting better," he said of the car. "It's much better than yesterday because I ran more laps. It's reliable. We've been running lots of basic set-ups, so it was a good day. It was unfortunate that there were so many red flags because it slowed progress on our tyre test."

Toyota and Jaguar both ran their new cars. Cristiano da Matta completed 79 laps in the TF104, although he was delayed by a driveshaft problem that necessitated a change of engine.

Christian Klien was the sole Jaguar representative on-track, after Mark Webber damaged his car in a crash yesterday. "We're just working on the basic set-up of the car," he said. "It's difficult to say how good the car is compared to last year, but it's no worse. I have a problem with the seat at the moment. It's bit tight and I think we'll have to make a new seat following this test."

Jordan's troubled test continues following Timo Glock's crash yesterday. Bas Leinders took his turn at the wheel today, but managed the impressive feat of shunting on his first out-lap this morning, damaging his car's front suspension, front wing and floor. The team has yet to determine if driver error or suspension failure caused the crash.

Leinders eventually returned to the circuit late in the day, managing to complete 16 laps. It's not yet known for certain who will test for the team tomorrow, although it looks like Timo Glock might be given another run.

Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW M 1m15.620s 64*
Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m15.659s*
Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m15.718s
Rubens Barrichello Ferrari B 1m16.026s 67
Jenson Button BAR-Honda M 1m16.621s 87
Luca Badoer Ferrari B 1m16.951s 76
Nico Rosberg Williams-BMW M 1m17.469s
Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas B 1m17.539s*
Cristiano da Matta Toyota M 1m17.696 79*
Jarno Trulli Renault M 1m17.785s 67*
Ricardo Zonta Toyota M 1m17.895s 52
Christian Klien Jaguar M 1m18.087s 55*
Takuma Sato BAR-Honda M 1m18.507s 79
Bas Leinders Jordan-Ford B 1m21.841s 16

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin

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