Jerez, day 4: Davidson on top

BAR tester Davidson began the day carrying out Bridgestone tyre development, then switched to a car fitted with the new Honda engine, using its extra power to set his best time.

"The tyre test was quite fun in the morning," he said, "then the engine software programme was more monotonous. But the new engine is so much different in power."

Alongside him at BAR, Japanese Formula 3 racer Kousuke Matsuura made his F1 debut. But his running was made difficult by a seat position that caused his head to bang against the car's bodywork. He was left with sore neck muscles, but was said to have impressed the team.

Mark Webber was second fastest for Jaguar using the older specification Cosworth engine. But his team-mate Antonio Pizzonia continued to have a difficult time with the new 90 degree unit and only managed 17 laps. A problem discovered yesterday proved to be something that could only be fixed back at the factory and his test finished early.

Renault's Fernando Alonso was third fastest and was left feeling positive despite an engine problem.

The French make also continued to run Formula 3000 champion Sebastien Bourdais and Dallara Nissan ace Franck Montagny. Bourdais will now travel to the US, where he is testing for top Champ Car team Newman-Haas this week.

The Formula 1 teams will kick off 2003 at Jerez on January 6 and Barcelona on January 7.

Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda B 1m21.254s 78
Mark Webber Jaguar M 1m21.549s 53
Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m21.635s 19
Sebastien Bourdais Renault M 1m21.754s 47
Franck Montagny Renault M 1m22.159s 33
Kousuke Matsuura BAR-Honda B 1m23.154s 44
Antonio Pizzonia Jaguar M 1m23.624s 17

B=Bridgestone
M=Michelin