Barca 1: Renault leads way

Trulli was testing an updated aerodynamic package and new specification engine which the team plans to implement in time for the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. He suffered a hydraulic problem that stymied his running in the afternoon, however.

Speaking about the new engine, Trulli told autosport.com: "It is very impressive. There is more power and more revs without any driveability problems. I'm very happy about it."

Renault's engineering chief Pat Symonds added: "Overall, we had a reasonable first day in Barcelona. The new developments ran without problems on Jarno's car, and performed as we had predicted. We will continue to learn about them during the rest of the week. Tomorrow, both drivers will run the new engine specification: Jarno will complete a race distance, while Fernando will concentrate on tyre and set-up work."

BAR-Honda's Anthony Davidson was second fastest, keeping up the Brackley-based team hopes of yet more good results in the near future. He was testing revised aerodynamic and suspension components, and his best time was just a couple of tenths down on Alonso's fastest mark. Behind Trulli, McLaren test drivers Alexander Wurz and Pedro de la Rosa got down to some much-needed work. They ended the day fourth and sixth fastest respectively, with Wurz concentrating on suspension settings.

The McLaren duo were split by Ferrari tester Luca Badoer, while the Toyotas of Ricardo Zonta and Olivier Panis propped up the timesheets. Panis was using a 'repackaged' Toyota chassis for the first time, which featured a number of alterations to reduce its centre of gravity as part of its development plan.

Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m15.269s 101
Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda M 1m15.407s 93
Jarno Trulli Renault M 1m15.622s 55
Alexander Wurz McLaren-Mercedes M 1m15.768s 59
Luca Badoer Ferrari B 1m15.838s 59
Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes M 1m15.930s 77
Ricardo Zonta Toyota M 1m15.988s 82
Olivier Panis Toyota M 1m16.447s 46