Pizzonia Fastest at Wet Valencia - Final Day

Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia went fastest on the final day of this week's testing at the Valencia circuit in Spain.

Five Michelin-shod Formula One teams were present for the final session, which took place on an artificially watered track. World Champions Ferrari left the Spanish circuit on Thursday.

Williams test driver Pizzonia, taking over from teammate Marc Gene at the wheel of the FW26 car, finished ahead of Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who completed McLaren's preparations for the Malaysian Grand Prix with the MP4-19.

The Toyota team were the only ones with two cars on track today, although only Brazilian Ricardo Zonta posted a time. Australian Ryan Briscoe completed just eight laps but did not record a time.

"This week's test programme revolved around Michelin tyre work, but unfortunately the first two days were compromised considerably by changeable weather conditions," said Zonta at the end of the test. "The first day was hit by intermittent rain and on Thursday we had to contend with windy conditions, which limited any meaningful running.

"Today, we had a much better day. We completed in the region of 130 laps doing a tyre test on an artificially wet track, and we found some good results. I am going to have a couple of days off now before I fly to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday for Malaysian Grand Prix week."

Frenchman Franck Montagny completed Renault's three-day test with the 2003-spec R232 car, evaluating both new tyre constructions and compounds.

"We completed the week's programme with a planned wet test," explained Renault's chief test engineer Christian Silk. "It was an encouraging day working on the wet tyres, and one compound in particular holds real promise.

"Overall, the tyres performed well in terms of both consistency and speed, and we did plenty of laps to round off a productive session."

Anthony Davidson was fifth quickest in the BAR concept car, although the Briton managed only five laps after damaging the chassis when he went off the track.

"We've had a really good week apart from today," said Davidson. "The car has been very reliable and we have got through an enormous amount of tyre testing. We learnt a lot and had a particularly good day yesterday when we worked on the Imola tyre choice.

"I was really looking forward to the wet test today, but unfortunately I aquaplaned and went wide off the circuit. I didn't spin, but I ran over a kerb which damaged the chassis. I was only on the out lap and it was just a disappointing end to a really good test. I'm now looking forward to getting out to Malaysia for Friday practice."

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Pizzonia Williams-BMW (M) 1:25.581 93 2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:25.820 118 3. Zonta Toyota (M) 1:27.010 126 4. Montagny Renault (M) 1:27.203 113 5. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:37.973 5 6. Briscoe Toyota (M) no time 8 All Timing Unofficial

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