Badoer Fastest as Test Ends at Jerez - Final Day

Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer topped the times on the final day of testing at the Jerez track, where the Italian team, together with BAR and Sauber, concluded their three-day programme.

Badoer, who yesterday announced he will continue with Ferrari in 2001, worked once more on tyre development as well as testing some electronic components, completing a massive 107 laps, nearly 500km.

The Italian driver was marginally quicker than Frenchman Olivier Panis, who was fastest on Tuesday, driving again the 2000 version of the BAR-Honda and working mainly on the suspension.

Third quickest was Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen, who replaced teammate Nick Heidfeld at the wheel of the Sauber-Petronas C20, and he concentrated on aerodynamic work and tyre testing.

"I really enjoyed myself today," Raikkonen said. "The C20 is already much better than the C19. It is more stable, better balanced, better under braking, and more driveable. I can't wait for our next test, in Barcelona next week."

Jacques Villeneuve continued working with the new BAR 003, setting the slowest time of the day once again. The Canadian, who yesterday complained about the poor performance of the new car, ran briefly off the track during the session.

Testing at Jerez will resume on January 29th.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:22.78 2. Panis BAR-Honda (B) 1:22.83 3. Raikkonen Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:23.71 4. Villeneuve BAR-Honda (B) 1:24.73 All Timing Unofficial