Alonso Sets the Pace at Valencia

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso set the pace of the third day of testing at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain.

Renault's Alonso was again in action with the hybrid R23, which is still not incorporating the definitive aerodynamic package with which the team expect to move a step forward in terms of performance. The new package will be introduced in the following test at Barcelona next week.

Spaniard Alonso, who on Tuesday set the second quickest time behind Juan Pablo Montoya, today covered a total of 39 laps and finished less than a tenth ahead of Brazilian Rubens Barrichello with the Ferrari F2002, who despite some mechanical problems could complete 93 laps.

"We had a useful final day with Fernando," said Mike Gascoyne, Renault's technical director. "He completed a successful evaluation of new engine parts, and concluded a productive three days' work. We will continue our programme next week in Barcelona"

Ralf Schumacher was the quickest of the three Williams drivers on track today, the German working with the old FW24 car, while test driver Marc Gene and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya drove the new FW25. Gene was seventh fastest while Montoya, who broke the track record on Tuesday, finished at the bottom of the times after 98 laps with the new BMW-powered machine.

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella took over from his new teammate Ralph Firman, as the Jordan team continued with the development of the new Ford-powered EJ13. After two positive days with Firman at the wheel, Fisichella put more miles on the new car, covering a total of 56 laps on his way to the fourth quickest time of the day.

The Jaguar team today began a three-day session at the Spanish circuit, with Australian Mark Webber in charge of testing duties with the R4 chassis. Webber finished fifth quickest, outpacing Briton Jenson Button with the only BAR on track today.

Testing at Valencia continues tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:11.301 39 2. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:11.367 93 3. R.Schumacher Williams-BMW (M) 1:11.478 45 4. Fisichella Jordan-Ford (B) 1:12.003 56 5. Webber Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:12.455 34 6. Button BAR-Honda (B) 1:12.573 59 7. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:12.800 61 8. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:12.988 98 All Timing Unofficial

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