Gene Quickest Again at Monza

Gene continued with a programme centred on Bridgestone tyre development and aerodynamics for the forthcoming races. The Spanish tester completed a total of 63 laps and finished less than four tenths of a second ahead of Briton Anthony Davidson.

Davidson and teammate Enrique Bernoldi completed BAR's preparations for the Canadian Grand Prix, the Briton covering a massive 145 laps of the Italian track.

Brazilian Felipe Massa was third quickest in the only Sauber in action at Monza.

"Today we have further worked with Felipe on our race preparation for Indianapolis and could verify the data we gathered the last two days," said Jacky Eeckelaert, Sauber chief race engineer.

"Overall, I can say that the test this week went well. In those three days we could run more than 1.600 kilometres and the C24 proved once again its high reliability.

"We were able to complete our scheduled programme for the Canadian and United States Grand Prix, whereby we concentrated on the evaluation of new aerodynamic parts for the required medium downforce at these two races, and worked with Michelin on the tyre selection.

"Considering the outcome of this test I believe that we are well prepared for the forthcoming North American rounds."

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time     Laps
 1.  Gene          Ferrari              (B)  1:21.431   63
 2.  Davidson      BAR-Honda            (M)  1:21.811  145
 3.  Massa         Sauber-Petronas      (M)  1:21.937   92
 4.  Bernoldi      BAR-Honda            (M)  1:22.642   94
 
All Timing Unofficial