Prost Pleased with Trouble-Free Tests

Veteran French driver Jean Alesi completed the second of two days of testing with the new Ferrari-powered Prost Grand Prix car on Tuesday - and team owner Alain Prost was delighted with the debut performance.

Alesi completed 56 test laps in the new model AP04 car on Monday and a further 63 on Tuesday, praising the handling and the reliability of the car in cold but dry conditions.

Prost used Peugeot engines last season, when they failed to earn a point, and are confident the switch to Ferrari will mark a change in the team's fortunes.

"It is a huge change for us and everyone has worked hard so that we have met all our deadlines," said team principal Prost, the four-time World Champion.

"It was very satisfying to see the car do so many laps today without any reliability problems.

"It was a great pleasure working with the Ferrari people and we've quickly established cohesion with them -- something we are very grateful for."

Alesi will be partnered by Argentine driver Gaston Mazzacane, previously at Minardi, for the 2001 season.