Montagny Leads the Way at Jerez - Day Three

Frenchman Franck Montagny finished at the head of the timesheets on the third day of testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in southern Spain.

Driving the Renault R23B, the test driver was over a tenth of a second clear of the closest of his rivals after completing 90 laps. Montagny was working alongside teammate Jarno Trulli, who also had a good day with the new R24 and posted the third fastest time of the session.

For the first time this week a BAR was not quickest, with Japanese Takuma Sato finishing as second fastest in the Honda-powered 006. Briton Jenson Button, who had been fastest on the first two days, was replaced today by compatriot Anthony Davidson, who finished down in 11th.

"It's been a very good three days and my first proper time in the new car," said Sato. "I have completed two race simulations, and it has been very encouraging to do so many laps straight away. We have done lots of tyre testing and set-up work and have learned a lot about the new car - most importantly that it is fast and reliable.

"I've had some quick times this week, and that gives you so much confidence with a brand new car. We have a good complete package now and I am looking forward to driving it again in Valencia next week."

The Sauber team had a very positive day, with both their drivers managing more than a Grand Prix distance with the C23. Brazilian Felipe Massa was the fastest of the two, ahead of Italian teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.

"Today we focused on mechanical set-up scans and cooling configuration checks concerning the Melbourne race," explained Sauber's chief race engineer Jacky Eeckelaert. "We also completed the Bridgestone tyre compounds work with Giancarlo which was originally scheduled for yesterday. In the afternoon we changed the engine of his car as it has reached its given mileage.

"After the problems yesterday we were still able to catch up and to complete our test programme. Considering that we ran nearly 2,000 kilometres in three days with both cars we can say that we reached our set target of this week."

Finn Kimi Raikkonen was sixth fastest with the first of the McLarens, while test driver Alexander Wurz, taking over from Scot David Coulthard, managed only the 13th best time of the day.

Juan Pablo Montoya joined the Jerez test today, working alongside teammate Ralf Schumacher, and both men finished in the middle part of the timesheets.

"Despite experiencing a few problems with his car early on in the session, Ralf managed to carry out some valuable aero work," said test team manager Tim Newton. "In the afternoon he did tyre testing and practice starts. In the other FW26, Juan Pablo primarily concentrated on mechanical set-up work."

Rubens Barrichello was driving today for the Ferrari team at the wheel of an F2003-GA. The Brazilian continued with Bridgestone tyre development work and also tested new components which will be used in the course of the 2004 season. He was eighth fastest.

Jaguar's Mark Webber had a very busy day, covering a massive 116 laps with the Cosworth-powered R5. He finished ninth, three positions ahead of his teammate Christian Klien in the second Jaguar.

German Nick Heidfeld was the only Jordan driver in action today, as the Silverstone-based squad continued with the development of the new Ford-powered EJ14. Jordan again finished at the bottom of the times, although Heidfeld managed to cover 93 laps. Italian Giorgio Pantano will wrap up Jordan's Jerez test tomorrow.

"We were able to do a lot of laps today and found a couple of technical problems which is normal at this stage with a new car, as far as I am concerned," said Heidfeld. "I'm confident that we can sort them out before Melbourne. Although there's still work to do, it was a good day as we made a lot of progress in terms of lap time and the car is feeling better."

Testing continues on Friday.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Montagny Renault (M) 1:17.051 90 2. Sato BAR-Honda (M) 1:17.174 105 3. Trulli Renault (M) 1:17.252 91 4. Massa Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:17.388 90 5. Fisichella Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:17.391 84 6. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.529 109 7. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:17.554 60 8. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:17.667 99 9. Webber Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:17.717 116 10. R.Schumacher Williams-BMW (M) 1:17.785 73 11. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:18.179 37 12. Klien Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:18.250 92 13. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.609 39 14. Heidfeld Jordan-Ford (B) 1:19.449 93 All Timing Unofficial

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