Jerez 1: Ralf dominates

Ralf completed 68 laps of tyre testing with the 2003 Williams on a clear and relatively cold day in Andalucia. Williams tester Marc Gene was second quickest with the hybrid car that features a new rear end, but the Spaniard was almost a second slower.

Nelson Piquet Jr attracted the most attention today however, and father Nelson was there to witness his 64 laps. The young Formula 3 star was exactly three seconds down on Ralf in his first day's running with a Formula 1 car.

"Today was not bad at all. I thought it would be more difficult than it was. I actually found it easier than the F3000 car I drove here recently. It's nice not having to take your hands off the steering wheel, and using two pedals was something to get used to. But I think it would take me longer to get used to a clutch!"



The Brazilian was down to complete about 90 laps today, but a harmless off at lunchtime and four session stoppages curtailed his running. Ralf Schumacher stopped out on the circuit twice and Marc Gene once.

Piquet will have another half-day on Thursday, but tomorrow will be the turn of Nico Rosberg to drive the Williams. Jordan, Ferrari and BAR will join the test tomorrow.



Ralf Schumacher (Williams-BMW) 1m17.453s 68
Marc Gene (Williams-BMW) 1m18.326s 73
Nelson Piquet Jr (Williams-BMW) 1m20.453s 64