Badoer on Top at Mugello Test - Day One

Italian Luca Badoer topped the timesheets on the first day of testing at the Mugello circuit, where the Ferrari team moved after having worked at Fiorano on Tuesday.

Both Badoer and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello continued working on the electronics systems which will be introduced at next week's Spanish Grand Prix, both driving this year's F2001 chassis. Barrichello was second quickest today, more than three tenths of a second behind Badoer.

Badoer's tests concentrated on engine management electronics while Barrichello was involved in testing other areas of the car's functions affected by the change in the rules â€" the gearbox and LSD management system and starts.

German Nick Heidfeld set the third quickest time for the Sauber Petronas team, who today began their preparations for the Spanish race. The German driver completed 47 laps around Mugello, and he also concentrated on developing the traction control system and some new aerodynamic components.

"It's important that we get as much track time as possible tomorrow to help us develop the traction control and the new aerodynamics of the Red Bull Sauber Petronas C20," said Heidfeld. " But we have already made a good start this afternoon."

Heidfeld's team mate Kimi Raikkonen spent the day working at the Vairano track, also in Italy, conducting straight line aerodynamic validation tests which, according to the team, proved very successful.

The teams present at Mugello could not begin testing before launch, as some track work was being finalised on the track.

The European Minardi team was also at Mugello, testing for the first time this season. Tarso Marques and test driver Christijan Albers conducted the team's work, setting the slowest times of the day.

The Brazilian was unable to set a time during the session, while Albers was more than six second off the pace.

Testing at Mugello continues on Thursday.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:24.667 2. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:25.038 3. Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:25.566 4. Albers Minardi-European (M) 1:31.446 5. Marques Minardi-European (M) no time All Timing Unofficial