Barcelona, day 5: Boost for Williams

Renault test driver Fernando Alonso found almost two second in the afternoon to end the day in second spot. The Spaniard was using the 2001 Benetton to test 2002-spec software and brakes but finished the test behind a tow truck after the car expired at the pitlane entrance right at the death.

Jarno Trulli was just fractions behind in the new Renault, and the Italian continues to reveal in the performance of the R202.

"The whole package is very positive and the car works very well," he said. "The car reacts very well to changes and it's much easier to drive that last year's Benetton. I have a problem with the seat - my head keeps hitting the headrest - but I should have a new one for the next test."

For the first time Jaguar had two new cars on hand, as the team seeks to rectify the problems that have blighted the R3 thus far. Despite Pedro de la Rosa causing a red flag after he stopped on track, it was an encouraging day for the Spaniard as he covered 51 laps and was almost 1.5 seconds quicker than team-mate Eddie Irvine.

Giancarlo Fisichella sported a long face throughout the session as Jordan struggles to get a handle on the new car. The Italian did just 25 laps and the EJ12 spent more time in the garage than it did on track.

Today (Friday) was the final day for most teams, although Jaguar will have the track to itself as its tests through the weekend.

Minardi gave its latest car, the PS02, a shakedown today at Imola. Alex Yoong and Mark Webber were present although no details have been released from the test.


Antonio Pizzonia Williams-BMW M 1m19.452s 74
Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m20.029ss 49
Jarno Trulli Renault* M 1m20.071s 30
Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda B 1m20.527s 44
Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar* M 1m20.533s 51
Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda* B 1m35.595s 25
Eddie Irvine Jaguar* M 1m22.078s 73

M = Michelin
B = Bridgestone
* denotes 2002 car