Raikkonen Flies at Valencia

Finn Kimi Raikkonen set a blistering pace on the third day of testing at the Valencia circuit, where the McLaren team continued to dominate.

Raikkonen, who was also fastest yesterday, set a quickest time of 1:10.673, finishing only three tenths of a second off the circuit's record, set by teammate David Coulthard this year. The Finn driver, who covered a massive 109 laps, was more than half a second quicker than his Scot teammate, who today got back to work after the end of the season.

Coulthard was second quickest while Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya posted the third fastest time with the first of the BMW-powered Williams. Montoya was the busiest man on track today completing a total of 137 laps as he continued to put miles on the BMW P82 engine.

Sauber's Nick Heidfeld wrapped up a three-day test for the Swiss squad, the German setting the fifth quickest time behind Spaniard Marc Gene in the second Williams. Heidfeld was upbeat following the successful test at the Spanish track.

"I really enjoyed getting back in a Formula One car this week," said Heidfeld. "We have had three good days here in Valencia gathering data for the new car. Having seen all the work going on with the C22 in Hinwil I am feeling very excited about our prospect for the new season."

Vitantonio Liuzzi was again in action with the third Williams, the young Italian finishing in sixth place after spinning off the track at the Doohan turn.

"I will never forget the pure thrill of my first ever lap and the experience of driving a Formula One car," said Liuzzi. "The team was fantastic, gave me great support and was very friendly, which resulted in an amazing three days. I am very grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to realise my dream of driving in Formula One."

Liuzzi finished ahead of compatriot Jarno Trulli with the Renault, who succesfully completed the shakedown of the hybrid car.

"Today we completed another shakedown with the interim car," explained Renault's technical director Mike Gascoyne. "Once again we had a successful day, which included an engine change at lunchtime. Overall we have had three very productive days without any mechanical problems on the new items for next year."

Renault are expected to continue working at Valencia on Friday, where they will carry out a private wet weather test for Michelin.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:10.673 109 2. Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.286 70 3. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:12.147 137 4. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:13.510 49 5. Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:13.746 82 6. Liuzzi Williams-BMW (M) 1:14.004 68 7. Trulli Renault (M) 1:14.175 55 All Timing Unofficial

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