Fisichella Flies as Test Ends in Barcelona

The Jordan Grand Prix team dominated on Friday the final day of testing at the Barcelona circuit, with Italian Giancarlo Fisichella setting the fastest testing time ever around the Catalan track with a lap of 1:18.522, nearly a tenth of a second quicker than the previous best, set last year by Rubens Barrichello in the Ferrari.

All the teams present at the Spanish circuit were welcomed by a dry track, allowing them to finally fully concentrate on the development of their cars. Fisichella, who completed 70 laps, was more than half a second quicker than teammate Takuma Sato at the wheel of the second 2001-spec EJ11.

"It's been a very good day. We did a variety of set-up work and I did a lot of laps," Fisichella said. "Last year was a difficult year for me and I'm just getting used to a new car, so putting in the quickest lap time of the week is a good feeling. I'm pleased but it will be better if I can do the same in qualifying."

Luca Badoer was third quickest for the Ferrari team, the Italian being the busiest man on track. The test driver completed 93 laps using two different F2001 chassis.

"Today we were finally able to test on a dry track," said Badoer. "We have been able to test the different tyres compounds that Bridgestone has brought here. The information gathered here will be very useful for our progress during the season."

Briton Jenson Button was the fastest of the Michelin runners with the Renault. The Briton was joined today by Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who debuted as the French team's test driver by setting the seventh quickest time after 33 laps.

Mika Salo was slowest with the Toyota TF102, but the Finn was pleased to be able to finally test in the dry.

"It was good for us to get some laps done in the dry and today was much better than yesterday," said Salo. "We have been running a heavy fuel load and not going for maximum speed, just continuing to learn about the car."

The Formula One teams will now travel to the Valencia circuit next week, before returning to Barcelona on January 21.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Fisichella Jordan-Honda (B) 1:18.522 70 2. Sato Jordan-Honda (B) 1:19.146 64 3. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:19.485 93 4. Button Renault (M) 1:19.656 54 5. Panis BAR-Honda (B) 1:20.494 90 6. Davidson BAR-Honda (B) 1:20.859 55 7. Alonso Renault (M) 1:21.403 33 8. Salo Toyota (M) 1:22.333 63 All Timing Unofficial