DC on Top at Barcelona as Schumi Returns - Day Three

McLaren's David Coulthard was once again fastest at Barcelona circuit on Tuesday, being the third day in a row that the Scot has topped the time sheets since testing began on Sunday.

Coulthard, who caused the session to be red flagged after a wheel nut came loose, completed 66 laps today, more than any other driver at the Circuit de Catalunya.

However, the session was marked by the return of 2000 World Champion Michael Schumacher, who replaced injured test driver Luca Badoer at the wheel of the Ferrari.

The German, who hadn't turned a single lap since the Malaysian Grand Prix last year, got into the car at around midday, and worked on developing some parts for the 2001 car, also testing different tyre compounds, and setting the second quickest time of the day, more than four tenths slower than Coulthard.

"I am very happy to be back on track," said Schumacher. "Especially as it is on a demanding circuit like Barcelona. The car is handling well.

"I had a good rest and I am in top form. I have noticed there are some new engineers in the team and this was my first chance to meet them.

"It shows that Ferrari is investing heavily to maintain its high level of competitiveness and that there is every intention to embark on a new era of success."

Schumacher also spared a thought for Luca Badoer, who is resting at home after a big crash during testing at the circuit on Sunday.

He added: "I am sorry about what happened to Luca last Sunday. He was doing a very important job for the team. However, these things happen in racing."

Heinz-Harald Frentzen was third quickest with the new Jordan-Honda EJ11, which suffered a mechanical failure that forced the session to be red flagged again. The German completed 35 laps.

Arrows' Pedro de la Rosa continued the development work with the interim A21 chassis powered by the AMT engine, setting the fourth fastest time of the session in front of AMT boss Enrique Scalabroni.

The Prost Grand Prix team was also present at the Catalan circuit, testing the new Ferrari-powered AP04 in public for the first time.

Frenchman Jean Alesi was fifth quickest with the Michelin-shod Prost after an oil leak during the morning forced the team to change the Ferrari engine. The veteran driver only completed thirteen laps.

Alex Wurz, McLaren's test driver, set the slowest time of the session, more than a second slower that Coulthard, following two apparent engine-related problems which allowed him to run only 21 laps.

Testing at Barcelona will continue on Wednesday.

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Reuters images from today's test session: &url=3cq9408u"> Michael Schumacher Looks to his Mechanics During Testing &url=3cq9408m"> David Coulthard Talks to Mechanic During Testing at Montmelo. &url=3cq9408l"> David Coulthard Drives his McLaren in Barcelona. &url=3cq9408a"> Michael Schumacher Tests New Car at Montmelo. &url=3cq94077"> Michael Schumacher Steers His Ferrari &url=3cq94074"> German Formula One Driver Michael Schumacher. &url=3cq9406t"> Pedro De La Rosa Speaks to a Mechanic. ------

Today's times:

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