BAR Duo on Top at Mugello - Day Three

The BAR-Honda team dominated the third day of testing at the Mugello circuit, with their two drivers finishing at the top of the times.

Japanese Takuma Sato posted the fastest time of the day with a best lap of 1:19.150, outpacing teammate Jenson Button by almost half a second as both continued with the development of the 006 car.

Button joined the test today, replacing British test driver Anthony Davidson.

Frenchman Olivier Panis also joined the Mugello test for his Toyota team, taking over from teammate Cristiano da Matta. Panis worked alongside test driver Ricardo Zonta and set the third quickest time of the day ahead of the Brazilian.

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello replaced World Champion Michael Schumacher at the wheel of the F2004, the Brazilian carrying out tyre testing ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix next week. Barrichello completed 48 laps and finished only fifth.

The Minardi team began their testing programme today with racing driver Gianmaria Bruni at the wheel of the Cosworth-powered car. The young Italian covered 68 laps and finished nearly four seconds off the pace.

Testing at Mugello finishes tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Sato BAR-Honda (M) 1:19.150 67 2. Button BAR-Honda (M) 1:19.601 62 3. Panis Toyota (M) 1:20.107 54 4. Zonta Toyota (M) 1:20.113 138 5. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:20.896 48 6. Bruni Minardi-Cosworth (B) 1:23.921 68 All Timing Unofficial

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