Ferrari Duo Set Pace at Mugello - Day Two

World Champions Ferrari dominated the second day of testing at the Mugello track, where Brazilian Rubens Barrichello topped the times ahead of test driver Luca Badoer.

While Barrichello worked on tyre selection, Italian Badoer did a long run test - completing 83 laps - and also worked on the set-up and aerodynamics of his car. The team reported no problems.

Sauber's Nick Heidfeld was third quickest, the German being the busiest man today after completing 88 laps around the Italian circuit. Heidfeld concentrated on tyre selection for the Belgian Grand Prix and aerodynamic testing of the Ferrari-powered C20.

"After today's work we have more data which will help us with our tyre selection at the Belgian Grand Prix, and we were able to carry out most of our planned schedule of aerodynamic testing," said Heidfeld. "The track was not as good as yesterday, however, due to high winds which made it slower, so there is more work to do."

Italian Jarno Trulli joined the test today, as the Jordan team continued working after their disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix. Trulli worked alongside Frenchman Jean Alesi, who tested for the second consecutive day at Mugello. The Italian was the fastest of the Jordan duo, setting the fourth quickest time while Alesi was sixth.

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve and Japanese Takuma Sato were at the wheel of the Honda-powered BARs, the Brackley-based outfit working at the Italian circuit for the first day. The 1997 World Champion was fifth quickest, while the British Formula Three star was seventh, only ahead of the Minardi of Andrea Piccini.

"I'm pretty satisfied with the work we have done today. We tried a number of different aerodynamic solutions and tested different brake material," said Piccini. "We weren't looking to set lap times, although I feel there is a margin to improve with better use of the tyres, which behave quite differently from the F3000 tyres I am more used to. That will come as I get more experience driving an F1 car."

Testing at Mugello resumes tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:24.353 2. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:25.275 3. Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:25.581 4. Trulli Jordan-Honda (B) 1:25.738 5. Villeneuve BAR-Honda (B) 1:26.090 6. Alesi Jordan-Honda (B) 1:26.783 7. Sato BAR-Honda (B) 1:27.882 8. Piccini Minardi-European (M) 1:30.033 All Timing Unofficial