Renault Again on Top at Imola - Day Two

The Renault team continued to set the pace on the second day of testing at the Imola circuit, where Italian Jarno Trulli finished on top of the timesheets.

Trulli, who had finished as second fastest behind teammate Fernando Alonso on Tuesday, went quickest today as he concentrated on set-up work with the R24. Trulli completed the mileage on his A spec Melbourne engine during a morning race distance.

"Once more, the team experienced a productive day's work," said Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds at the end of the day. "We ran a huge number of laps, and indeed Jarno reached a record engine mileage on his 'A' spec unit.

"Both drivers have continued to be positive in their feedback throughout their race distances, and the car is very consistent on long runs. Poor weather is forecast for tomorrow, but we will make the most of our track time, whatever the conditions."

Spaniard Alonso, meanwhile, attempted to run a full weekend mileage during the day, but fell short owing to numerous red flags. He was fourth fastest behind the Sauber of Felipe Massa and the Ferrari F2003-GA of Luca Badoer, who saw his day cut short when he crashed at the Variante Alta corner, damaging his car.

Badoer had a precautionary medical after the crash but was passed fit to continue at the circuit on Thursday.

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was fifth quickest in the second Sauber.

Giorgio Pantano made good progress today and managed to outpace his Jordan teammate Nick Heidfeld as both men continued testing the Ford-powered EJ14. Italian Gianmaria Bruni began Minardi's final test before the start of the season and, driving the new PS04B chassis, he finished at the bottom of the times.

Testing resumes tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Trulli Renault (M) 1:21.243 79 2. Massa Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:21.281 67 3. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:21.412 57 4. Alonso Renault (M) 1:21.686 108 5. Fisichella Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:21.796 63 6. Pantano Jordan-Ford (B) 1:22.596 56 7. Heidfeld Jordan-Ford (B) 1:23.267 65 8. Bruni Minardi-Cosworth (B) 1:24.001 65 All Timing Unofficial

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