Imola 3: Badoer fastest

Heavy rain in the morning left the Italian track wet all day, which limited the development work teams could do. However, the conditions couldn't slow Badoer, who made a speedy return to the cockpit of the F2003-GA after his heavy shunt at Variante Alta yesterday.

Jarno Trulli set the second fastest time for Melbourne, although he only completed 28 laps after a hydraulic problem this afternoon. Fernando Alonso was down in fifth on the timesheets, although he was able to run Renault's Melborune-spec engine to its maximum mileage.

Giancarlo Fisichella set an encouraging third fastest time for Sauber on the team's final pre-Melbourne test, just ahead of team-mate Felipe Massa. Although the wet conditions were a hindrance to some, the Swiss team was enthusiastic about the weather.

"It may sound strange, but we were lucky that the track was wet all day," said chief race engineer Jacky Eeckelaert. "During our whole pre-season testing this was the only rainy day and thus the only opportunity for us to gather data under these specific conditions. Overall, this final pre-season test was perfect preparation for the Australian Grand Prix."



Giorgio Pantano outpaced Jordan team-mate Nick Heidfeld for the second day running, while Zsolt Baumgartner was well off the pace in the wet conditions.

Luca Badoer Ferrari B 1m31.078s 54*
Jarno Trulli Renault M 1m31.346s 28
Giancarlo Fisichella Sauber-Petronas B 1m32.406s 48
Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas B 1m32.662s 51
Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m33.147s 48
Giorgio Pantano Jordan-Ford B 1m35.341s 52
Nick Heidfeld Jordan-Ford B 1m35.502s 29
Zsolt Baumgartner Minardi-Cosworth B 1m39.044s 54

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin
* denotes 2003 car

Ferrari suspended its testing programme at Mugello today because of bad weather. Michael Schumacher was due to complete development work on the F2004, but snowy conditions limited him to just an installation lap. Ferrari may switch its focus to Imola tomorrow in an attempt to find more favourable conditions.