Jerez 1: Sato surprises in rain

Sato was once again in BAR's "concept car," and was joined by the team's test driver Anthony Davidson, who was at the wheel of the 2003 model. They did 120 laps between them and were the only team to have done any substantial work today, albeit on intermediate tyres and extreme-weather tyres.

The rain came pouring down at 11:30 this morning, after which action was thin on the ground. Luca Badoer had a look, but didn't like the rivers on the track. He'd hardly done much running before the torrent, and so ended the day having run just 12 laps.

BAR were more positive, and Davidson (in his first test since a Mugello outing in the summer) said that the extreme tyres performed admirably. But he added that the intermediates would need more work.

Felipe Massa was the fourth driver in action today, but take note that he's now testing for Sauber. He did a solid 36 laps, but caused a delay in the morning when he ran out of fuel on the track.

The Brazilian will race for the Sauber team next year, so in theory he won't be testing a Ferrari any further this winter. But Massa says: "This is not the last time I drive a Ferrari."

After testing all season for the Scuderia, Massa remains highly-rated in Maranello and many believe he will one day replace Michael Schumacher.

Tomorrow most of the Formula One grid arrives at the circuit to begin testing. The only absentees will be Minardi (who are running at Vallelunga) and Jordan.



Takuma Sato BAR-Honda 1m25.938s 51
Luca Badoer Ferrari 1m26.275s 12
Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 1m26.280s 36
Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda 1m26.723s 69