Pre-Hungary testing hits top gear

Nine of the 11 teams are in action, with the majority choosing circuits with similar characteristics to the tight and twisting Hungaroring.

Valencia in Spain plays host to McLaren, Benetton, Williams, Jaguar, Arrows and Sauber, while Ferrari and Minardi continue to test at Ferrari's Fiorano test track. Somewhat perversely, Prost has chosen Barcelona for its test venue, while BAR and Jordan have chosen to sit this one out.

Autosport.com will bring you details of all the times and the action at the close of play today.

Minardi's latest test driver, Spaniard Fernando Alonso, tested for the team at Fiorano yesterday. The reigning Formula Open Nissan champ had tested a Minardi M01 last December, but spent much of yesterday learning the track and the 2000-spec M02. His best time of 1m02.65s compared favourably to regular driver Gaston Mazzacane's 1m02.55s.

Ferrari continued its Fiorano test programme, Luca Badoer setting a time of 1m02.030s and running a two-stop race simulation. The day before (Tuesday), Hockenheim winner Rubens Barrichello had posted a 1m01.682s best time, but did not test yesterday.