Zonta Fastest at Silverstone - Day One

Jordan's test driver Ricardo Zonta set the fastest time on the first day of testing at the Silverstone circuit, where four Formula One teams returned to work in order to get ready for next week's Austrian Grand Prix at the A1-Ring.

The predicted rain held off during the day and the drivers were able to run on a dry track, most of them working on the traction control development programmes. Zonta edged Frenchman Olivier Panis at the wheel of the BAR, the Brackley-based outfit being the only one to run with three drivers today.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen was in charge of the testing duties for the Swiss Sauber team, setting the third quickest time of the session in front of British Formula Three star Takuma Sato, driving the second BAR.

Both Arrows drivers Enrique Bernoldi and Jos Verstappen were present today at Silverstone, concentrating on set up work and carrying out standard tyre tests for Bridgestone, setting the fifth and sixth fastest times respectively. Verstappen's work focused also on endurance testing as more miles were added to new parts for the A22.

"We mainly worked on durability testing today and the car seems okay," said Verstappen. "I think we can be reasonably happy with today’s work as we completed quite a few laps and added good mileage to the car. Tomorrow we will test some new parts to find out what works best and hopefully can make some good progress."

The Dutchman was only faster than Briton Darren Manning, who driving the BAR was more than two seconds behind Zonta's time.

Testing at Silverstone will continue on Wednesday.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Zonta Jordan-Honda (B) 1:24.546 2. Panis BAR-Honda (B) 1:24.625 3. Raikkonen Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:25.340 4. Sato BAR-Honda (B) 1:25.753 5. Bernoldi Arrows-Asiatech (B) 1:25.759 6. Verstappen Arrows-Asiatech (B) 1:25.813 7. Manning BAR-Honda (B) 1:26.816 All Timing Unofficial