Ralf Flies, Barrichello Tests F2003-GA - Morning Session

Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello finally made his debut at the wheel of the Italian World Champions' new car on the third day of testing at the Barcelona circuit.

The F2003-GA, which was unveiled at the start of February, had only been tested by World Champion Michael Schumacher and test driver Luca Badoer, who had suffered two accidents with it at Jerez and Mugello.

This morning, however, Barrichello had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new car, completing a total of 23 laps and posting the third fastest time. Barrichello, however, suffered a mechanical problem and his car stopped on track, forcing the session to be red-flagged.

The Brazilian, who had been in action since Tuesday, was joined today by Schumacher, who was at the wheel of the old F2002.

Schumacher's brother Ralf was the fastest man this morning, setting a blistering pace with the Williams FW25 on his first day of work after taking over from Colombian teammate Juan Pablo Montoya. Ralf's time of 1:15.352 was only some three tenths of a second off the track record.

Frenchman Olivier Panis, replacing teammate Cristiano da Matta at the Toyota team today, was second quickest but more than two seconds slower than Ralf Schumacher.

Malaysian Grand Prix winner Kimi Raikkonen got back to work today following his first Formula One victory last Sunday, the Finn testing alongside David Coulthard after Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa completed his work with the team on Wednesday.

Testing continues in the afternoon.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. R.Schumacher Williams-BMW (M) 1:15.352 30 2. Panis Toyota (M) 1:17.490 28 3. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:17.749 23 4. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:18.121 60 5. Button BAR-Honda (B) 1:18.269 51 6. Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.318 33 7. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.445 50 8. Frentzen Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:18.757 48 9. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:19.653 40 All Timing Unofficial

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