Mugello 2: Schuey fastest

Schumacher managed 62 laps during a mammoth Bridgestone tyre programme that Ferrari also used to try out some engine modifications prior to the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona. But the German encountered some chassis problems that hampered his running which was eventually cut short with a mechanical failure.

"I'm only testing for one day in preparation for the next grand prix," said Schumacher, who seemed genuinely disappointed not to be rostered on for more testing. "In fact, I really wanted to test for all three days."

Sato was on a high after setting a 1m19.637s lap time, some four seconds faster than the Japanese driver has managed previously around Mugello. The team was trying a new front wing it expects to use in Spain, but Honda's new Barcelona-spec engine will not be available until tomorrow when Jenson Button arrives.

"The lap is fantastic considering I only had time to do some basic set-up work this morning," said Sato. "I have found a couple of tyre compounds which I will try on long runs tomorrow. But the car felt so good and so easy to drive, even without the proper set-ups."

Cristiano da Matta was third fastest for Toyota which is continuing its tyre evaluation work while Anthony Davidson, in a standard BAR 006, was fourth. Ricardo Zonta was fifth fastest after his Toyota test programme was cut short with a hydraulic problem.

Michael Schumacher Ferrari B 1m19.562s 62
Takuma Sato BAR-Honda M 1m19.637s 109
Cristiano da Matta Toyota M 1m20.447s 110
Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda M 1m20.478s 97
Ricardo Zonta Toyota M 1m20.680s 69