Ralf Goes Fastest at Jerez - Day Four

German Ralf Schumacher clocked the quickest time on the fourth day of testing at the Jerez circuit, where six drivers were in action today.

Williams driver Schumacher, testing with the new BMW-powered FW26, posted the fastest time of the week with a best lap of 1:16.953. The day was dominated by the Grove-based outfit, with Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya finishing as second quickest almost four tenths behind his teammate.

The McLaren-Mercedes team followed the Williams drivers, Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa returning to work today to clock the third fastest time of the day. De la Rosa, the busiest driver with 93 laps, tested alongside Alexander Wurz, whose McLaren MP4-19 was hit by mechanical problems only 15 minutes after the start of the session.

Wurz managed to complete 39 laps and set the fourth fastest time.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello completed Ferrari's programme at Jerez with the F2003-GA. Barrichello covered 79 laps and finished more than a second behind Schumacher and only ahead of the Jordan of Nick Heidfeld.

The German driver wrapped up the Silverstone-based squad's test with their new Ford-engined EJ14. Giorgio Pantano, who the team said would complete the programme today, did not take to the track.

Williams and BAR will carry out a wet session tomorrow, while the BMW-powered team will work alone on Sunday.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. R.Schumacher Williams-BMW (M) 1:16.953 66 2. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:17.315 39 3. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.740 93 4. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.914 39 5. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:18.369 79 6. Heidfeld Jordan-Ford (B) 1:20.376 54 All Timing Unofficial

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