De la Rosa: Michelin still way behind Bridgestone

De la Rosa drove on Bridgestone tyres with the Arrows team before losing his seat to Enrique Bernoldi, but has now spent his second day (Thursday) behind the wheel of a Michelin-shod Jaguar after signing as the Milton Keynes-based team's test driver two weeks ago.

"So far the balance is good in the wet," said de la Rosa, "but it is hard to tell after only two days in the car. But now having tried Michelins, I know how far advanced the Bridgestones are. We've got lots of work to do [to catch up]."

Bridgestone expressed concern when de la Rosa's deal with Jaguar was announced. The company, which has been the sole F1 supplier since Goodyear left the sport at the end of 1997, has been careful to restrict test drivers from using the latest development tyres unless a contract has been signed with the team concerned.

Tyres have been widely touted as the single most influential factor on performance for this season and the tyre war improved lap times at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix by more than 3.5s, despite a reduction in downforce from 2000.

While de la Rosa's comments could be construed as complimentary to Bridgestone, Michelin will be keen to capitalise on the Jaguar tester's inside knowledge of its rival's tyres.

The French company's rubber is believed to perform better in the wet and the Michelin-shod Benetton of Mark Webber was second fastest at a rainy Silvetsone today, behind the Bridgestone-kitted Jordan of Ricardo Zonta.

The highest placed Michelin runner in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix was the Jaguar of Luciano Burti in eighth spot.