Da Matta Again on Top at Jerez

Brazilian Cristiano da Matta finished again at the top of the timesheets on the second day of testing at the Jerez circuit, where perfect weather conditions allowed the drivers on track to improve their times compared to the first day of work.

Toyota driver da Matta posted a quickest time of 1:18.991, lapping seven tenths of a second faster than in the previous session despite going off the track and nearly hitting the tyre barriers at the end of the main straight.

The CART champion, who was also the busiest man today after completing 73 laps, concentrated on general set-up work at the wheel of the TF103. Da Matta will be replaced tomorrow by teammate Olivier Panis.

"The weather was very nice again today and it was mostly a trouble-free session for us," said da Matta at the end of the day. "We continued going through our extensive set-up programme and focused entirely on preparations for the Malaysian race.

"I am really happy with the work we have achieved in just two days. It will certainly help me to get acquainted even quicker with the particular layout of the Sepang circuit. I will now spend one day at home before I fly this weekend to Malaysia and I am naturally looking forward to it very much."

McLaren were again the only team working with two cars at Jerez, with test driver Alexander Wurz setting the second fastest time of the day more than half a second behind da Matta after being involved in an incident at the Peluqui corner, where he went off and ended up hitting the barriers.

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who yesterday returned to the wheel of a Formula One car after five months of inactivity, was again in action with the second McLaren, finishing as fourth quickest after 56 laps.

Spaniard Marc Gene worked with the Williams FW25 and wound up third fastest on his final day of work before he is replaced by German Ralf Schumacher.

"Another clear and dry day which let us work through our testing programme," said Tim Newton, Williams' test team manager. "Marc was driving the FW25 01 and we worked through a few problems that kept us in the garage more than we would have liked.

"We did manage to clock up 71 laps and learnt some useful insights. The test included chassis testing and engine work. Tomorrow Ralf will be joining us here in Jerez and we expect a similar forecast."

Japanese driver Takuma Sato took over from teammate Anthony Davidson at the wheel of the only BAR on track. Sato was slowest.

Testing at Jerez continues tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. da Matta Toyota (M) 1:18.991 73 2. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.525 56 3. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:19.778 71 4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.232 56 5. Sato BAR-Honda (B) 1:21.144 60 All Timing Unofficial

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