Barcelona day 3: Coulthard on a flier

The Scot was 0.7s faster than the next car, the Williams of Juan Pablo Montoya. Jaguar rookie Antonio Pizzonia set the third best time of the test, using the team's 2002 engine.

Also present at the test was Formula Nippon Champion Ralph Firman. The Briton had his first test in a Formula 1 car since 1995 for the BAR team, but reckoned his past experience was not much help. "It's so different from the last time I drove I can't compare anything," he said. "What really surprised me was the braking and I was finding it difficult to brake hard. Also, the traction control felt very strange."

There had been concerns Firman would be unable to fit in the BAR, but these proved wrong. "They managed to squeeze me in the BAR as its cockpit is quite big," he said. "I'm very happy but it's a shame I didn't get to go on new tyres. Driving F1 is what it's all about, and this is where I would like to be. But if nothing happens, I'm very happy to go back to Nippon and defend my title."

Fellow Briton Gary Paffett was back in action for the McLaren team, and was satisfied with his performance, setting the sixth best time. "I think it was a good test," he said. "In the end I did some programme work for the team and they seem happy with what I've done so hopefully I'll get another chance in the car.

Ferrari were in action at both Mugello and Jerez today (Thursday). Luciano Burti drove for the team at Mugello, setting a fastest lap of 1m32.620 on a wet circuit. Luca Badoer was in action at Jerez, lapping the Spanish track in 1m20.538s. Sauber's Nick Heidfeld was also at Jerez, and set a best time of 1m22.339s.

Toyota driver Cristiano da Matta has completed a four-day test session at the Paul Ricard circuit. He ran 170 laps in the TF102B over the course of the test. "What we did was positive, and showed up areas on the car that we need to work on most," said da Matta. "Overall I am happy and feel that we are making good progress."

David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m15.674s 67
Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m17.372s 86
Antonio Pizzonia Jaguar M 1m17.481s 101
Olivier Panis Toyota M 1m17.609s 64
Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW M 1m18.065s 76
Gary Paffett McLaren-Mercedes M 1m18.236s 63
Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m18.400s 54
Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda B 1m18.905s 74
Mark Webber Jaguar M 1m18.924s 73
Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda B 1m19.675s 5
Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m19.860s 69
Ralph Firman BAR-Honda B 1m21.056s 46
Tiago Montiero Renault M 1m21.471s 56

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin