Pizzonia Tops the Times at Barcelona - Day Three

Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia set the pace on the third consecutive day of testing at the Barcelona circuit in Spain, where four Formula One teams are carrying out their preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Williams test driver Pizzonia set an impressive pace with the BMW-powered FW24, outpacing Austrian Alexander Wurz in the first of the McLarens. The Woking-based squad continued with the development of an hybrid version of the MP4-17 fitted with components of the 2003 car. Scot David Coulthard, the only racing driver testing at Barcelona this week, finished right behind Wurz.

Spaniard Marc Gene was fourth quickest in the second of the Williams, the test driver working with the new BMW P83 engine that will make its racing debut next year. Williams are the only team who will continue testing at Barcelona tomorrow and on Saturday, working behind closed doors.

Frenchman Stephane Sarrazin enjoyed a positive day with the Toyota TF102B, setting the fifth quickest time ahead of Australian teammate Ryan Briscoe. Today was the last test of the season for the Japanese squad, who will return to work at the end of November to concentrate on the 2003 season.

"I am extremely happy with what we have achieved today, especially after the few difficulties we had yesterday," said Sarrazin. "The team did a great job throughout the session and we managed to go through the entire scheduled programme.

"We carried out premium and option tyre comparisons for the Japanese Grand Prix and managed to put considerable mileage on the TF102. This will give the team even more time and information for further development in advance of the 2003 season."

BAR test driver Anthony concluded a three-day programme for the Brackley-based squad. The Briton, who finished at the bottom of the times, suffered a mechanical problem that caused him to spin off and hit the barrier at the close of the session.

"We have covered plenty of laps over the last three days and both the car and the engine proved to be reliable," he said. "A mechanical glitch caused me to spin off at the end of the day and I hit the barrier but I'm fine. I now have a weekend to relax before I fly to Japan."

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Pizzonia Williams-BMW (M) 1:16.961 60 2. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.106 88 3. Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.157 100 4. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:17.791 48 5. Sarrazin Toyota (M) 1:18.432 71 6. Briscoe Toyota (M) 1:18.708 94 7. Davidson BAR-Honda (B) 1:19.936 70 All Timing Unofficial

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