Barrichello Runs Fastest at Mugello Testing

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello set the fastest time of the day at Mugello yesterday, where he began testing today alongside BAR and Sauber drivers, all preparing for next week's Belgian Grand Prix.

"We were working for the Spa race, because the characteristics of the Mugello track are very similar to the Belgian circuit," said Barrichello. "In particular we are trying to improve the balance of the car and the engine. I am happy with the progress we made in this area. Once it has been checked over by the engineers, I hope we will be able to use this engine in Spa."

At the same time, Ferrari concluded their testing at Fiorano with test driver Luca Badoer, who concentrated on wet tyres testing for the most of the day. The only surprise of the day was a stray dog found executing his own lap of the track early this morning.

BAR Honda also continued its three day test at the Mugello Circuit in Italy, and after test drivers Patrick Lemarie and Darren Manning set up the two chassis on Wednesday, regular drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta took over the driving duties on Thursday.

Although Villeneuve's early progress was hampered by a technical problem, the Canadian more than made up for the lost time completing a total of some 70 laps in the day. Teammate Zonta completed 49 laps in the second of the two BAR-Hondas.

Also present were Sauber drivers Pedro Diniz and test driver Enrique Bernoldi. The two concluded a three-day testing for the Swiss team, after Mika Salo had tested on Tuesday and Wednesday. "Today Pedro endorsed the aero configuration for Spa that was run by Mika Salo on Tuesday, while Enrique concentrated on suspension development," said Jacky Eeckelaert, the head of Sauber's test team. "We had a troublefree day, and were able to complete our planned programme of testing."

Yesterday's times at Mugello:

Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Barrichello Ferrari 1:27.227 98 2. Villeneuve BAR-Honda 1:28.409 73 3. Diniz Sauber-Petronas 1:28.508 85 4. Zonta BAR-Honda 1:28.921 49 5. Bernoldi Sauber-Petronas 1:29.333 64 All Timing Unofficial