Barcelona 3: Badoer again

Badoer worked through a Bridgestone tyre testing programme in the 2004 car, while Schumacher continued with set-up and development work on the F2004M, the hybrid chassis that Ferrari will use in the first four grands prix of the season.

Schumacher completed two long full-tank stints and dipped down into the 1m15s bracket late in the afternoon. Encouragingly for Bridgestone, his best time came towards the end of a long 15-lap run so it would appear that the Japanese manufacturer has once again come up with a tyre with excellent degradation characteristics.

Bridgestone technical manager Hisao Suganuma said: "It has been a very positive test. We tested several components and constructions; the car is really fast and although we had limited mileage we got a lot done. We will take the data from this test back to Japan and start preparing for Melbourne now. I am very happy."

Sauber was the only other team present, Jacques Villeneuve taking over the reins of the C24 from Felipe Massa. The Canadian completed 79 laps but was a long way off Ferrari's pace and had a big crash at the fourth-gear Campsa corner leading onto the back straight on his final timed lap. The car sustained heavy right-rear damage but Villeneuve was unhurt.

Sauber technical director Willy Rampf said: "Unfortunately the day ended not in the way we would have wished for. The positive aspect of this test is that we achieved our set goal to complete a long run with the engine. We simulated a two-race weekend situation and covered almost 1,400 kilometres with one Petronas engine without any problem.

"Overall, the last three test days demonstrated the reliability of the C24. Our target for the forthcoming tests - in which we will run with two cars from now on - will be to further work on the car's set-up to improve the handling balance."

Ferrari resumes testing next Wednesday at Valencia, with Schumacher and Badoer handing over to Rubens Barrichello and Marc Gene.



Luca Badoer, Ferrari F2004, 1m15.446s (31 laps)
Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2004M, 1m15.973s (68 laps)
Jacques Villeneuve, Sauber C24, 1m18.108s (79 laps)