Coulthard Fastest at Jerez - First Day (updated)

McLaren's David Coulthard set the fastest time on the first day of the official FIA winter testing session at Jerez - some half a second faster than the testing lap record at this Spanish circuit.

McLaren's ex-test driver and BAR's 2001 new recruit, Olivier Panis, was second fastest, more than half a second behind Coulthard.

"We tested mostly the tyres and a low downforce to prepare for next year's likely regulations," Coulthard said.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello set the third best time for Ferrari after spinning twice. His teammate, world champion Michael Schumacher, is not taking part in the tests and neither is McLaren former Champion Mika Hakkinen.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen, still waiting to hear whether he will be allowed to race without an FIA superlicence, was seventh quickest as he completed 48 laps for the Sauber team.

Eddie Irvine set the fifth fastest time for Jaguar, and was the fastest among the Michelin-fitted runners. Other debuts included Juan Pablo Montoya, making his first appearance as Williams's driver. The Colombian ran for 72 laps and ended the day 11th fastest, over a tenth of a second slower than his teammate, Ralf Schumacher. And, another old face in a new car, was Jenson Button, making his first appearance with Benetton.

Testing at Jerez resumes tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyre Time 1. Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.630 2. Panis BAR-Honda (B) 1:23.360 3. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:23.810 4. Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:24.050 5. Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:24.330 6. Manning BAR-Honda (B) 1:24.490 7. Raikkonen Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:24.580 8. Zonta Jordan-Honda (B) 1:24.590 9. Button Benetton-Renault (M) 1:24.990 10. R.Schumacher Williams-BMW (M) 1:25.220 11. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:25.357 12. de La Rosa Arrows-AMT (B) 1:25.740 13. Trulli Jordan-Honda (M) 1:25.920 14. Burti Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:26.330 15. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:27.560 16. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:29.450 Lap record: 1:23.135 (Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Williams-Renault, 1997) Testing Record: 1:23.241 (Eddie Irvine, Jaguar Cosworth, 2000) All Timing Unofficial