Ralf Goes Fastest at Jerez

German Ralf Schumacher finished on top of the timesheets on the fourth day of testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain, where the Williams team concluded their first programme of 2003.

German Schumacher continued working at the wheel of the BMW-powered FW24, concentrating on tyre testing for Michelin as well as testing different chassis set-ups. The Williams driver was the busiest man today with 78 laps, finishing the day ahead of Italian Luca Badoer with the Ferrari.

Once again both Badoer and teammate Luciano Burti took to the track for the Italian squad, continuing the tyre and electronics testing which they began on Tuesday. Ferrari were scheduled to finish the test today, but the World Champions have decided to continue working tomorrow alongside the Renault team.

Italian Jarno Trulli, still driving the hybrid Renault R202 chassis with several components of the 2003 car, was fourth quickest, nearly three seconds off Schumacher's pace. The German, however, set his time while the track was nearly dry, while other drivers like Marc Gene or Fernando Alonso only drove on a damp circuit.

Gene was fifth quickest while Alonso finished last after going off the track at the fast Sito Pons corner, hitting the tyre walls. After the crash, Alonso was unable to continue working as his car suffered some damage.

Testing at Jerez concludes tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. R.Schumacher Williams-BMW (M) 1:21.575 78 2. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:21.708 68 3. Burti Ferrari (B) 1:23.278 73 4. Trulli Renault (M) 1:24.435 47 5. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:27.980 49 6. Alonso Renault (M) 1:30.739 30 All Timing Unofficial

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