Badoer Breaks Monza Record - Final Day

Italian Luca Badoer broke the unofficial Monza record on the final day of this week's testing at the Italian circuit.

Badoer, who was also in action at Fiorano, posted a best time of 1:20.145, lapping over a tenth of a second quicker than what Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya had managed at the 2002 Italian Grand Prix.

Badoer was over a second quicker than compatriot Giancarlo Fisichella, who wrapped up Sauber's four-day test.

"In the morning we continued our programme, before we changed the engine that had reached its maximum mileage," explained Sauber's race engineer Giampaolo Dall'Ara. "We then evaluated a new front tyre construction for Bridgestone and did some aerodynamics work.

"Overall it was a productive four-day test. We could complete our planned programme although we had lost some time on day two. We were able to decide on the aero and brake configuration for Montreal and Indianapolis and choose the tyres for these two races. In addition we could also do some set-up work in view of the Italian Grand Prix."

Toyota's test driver Ryan Briscoe completed the Japanese squad's programme alone after Brazilian Ricardo Zonta was forced to miss the final day due to his accident on Thursday. Australian Briscoe completed a total of 95 laps on his way to the third fastest time of the day.

"It's been a good test overall," said Briscoe. "Friday morning was excellent, doing some brake testing and lots of long runs to look at the Indianapolis tyres ­ all with no problems on the car. In the afternoon we did some work on clutches and electronics."

Pedro de la Rosa replaced Scot David Coulthard at the wheel of the only McLaren on track, the Spanish test driver covering a massive 118 laps to set the fourth quickest time of the session.

Ferrari and Maserati development driver Andrea Bertolini finished at the bottom of the times with the Ferrari F2004.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:20.145 36 2. Fisichella Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:21.169 61 3. Briscoe Toyota (M) 1:21.870 95 4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.886 118 5. Bertolini Ferrari (B) 1:28.281 23 All Timing Unofficial

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