BAR Testers on Top at Valencia - Day One

Japanese driver Takuma Sato dominated the first day of testing at the Valencia circuit, as 19-year old Swiss Neel Jani continued acclimatising to the demands of a Formula One car.

Jani, currently competing in the international Formula Renault V6 championship, got back behind the wheel of the Sauber C22 after having tested for the Swiss squad for the first time at the end of last month. Jani completed a total of 60 laps around the Ricardo Tormo circuit, and enjoyed a trouble-free day except for a brief off-track excursion.

"When I was here the last time I was 16 and my Formula Renault had five times less horsepower," Jani said. "This car is very fast, of course, and this test today was quite exhausting for me.

"Some turns were fairly difficult and this track demanded a lot on the physical side. I felt a heavy pressure on my chest, which made breathing difficult as well. But I was very impressed with how easily this car handled."

The Swiss finished more then three seconds behind BAR test driver Takuma Sato, who today kicked off a three-day test for the Brackley-based outfit. The Japanese driver completed a massive 104 laps, concentrating on set-up work for the Monaco Grand Prix.

BAR also worked with Briton Anthony Davidson, who posted the second fastest time in the second Honda-powered 005 chassis after 87 laps.

Testing at Valencia continues tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Sato BAR-Honda (B) 1:12.91 104 2. Davidson BAR-Honda (B) 1:13.52 87 3. Jani Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:16.41 60 All Timing Unofficial

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