Barcelona day 1: Progress for Williams
Marc Gene emphasised Ralf Schumacher's positive post-Malaysian Grand Prix comments about the potential of the WilliamsF1 BMW FW25 by setting the fastest time on the first day of a four-day test at Barcelona
Michelin, coming off the back of a hyper-successful grand prix weekend which had the French tyre manufacturer taking pole position as well as first and third places in the race, came out on top again today taking the top four spots on the time sheet.
Pedro de la Rosa was second fastest for McLaren-Mercedes on what could possibly be his last test for the team ahead of Cristiano da Matta. The Brazilian Toyota driver getting in more track time as the team searches for solutions to the fuel pressure problems that have so far plagued the rapid TF103 in the first two races of 2003.
Juan Pablo Montoya was fourth quickest just ahead of Rubens Barrichello, who significantly was wearing a similar HANS device to that which team-mate Michael Schumacher used in Malaysia. The Ferrari is planning to try a belt-version, pioneered by David Coulthard, later in the week as he strives to alleviate the pain caused by the compulsory neck collar.
Luca Badoer was sixth fastest in the new Ferrari while Takuma Sato completed the order having spent the day working collating aerodynamic data for BAR-Honda.
Marc Gene WilliamsF1 BMW M 1m17.288s 48
Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes M 1m17.448s 68
Cristiano da Matta Toyota M 1m17.531s 62
Juan Pablo Montoya WilliamsF1 BMW M 1m17.731s 62
Rubens Barrichello Ferrari B 1m17.750s 75
Luca Badoer Ferrari M 1m17.822s 56*
Takuma Sato BAR-Honda B 1m18.906s 93
B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin
* denotes 2003 car
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