Ricard 2: Button flies

Button was the only BAR driver on-track, but racked up an impressive 136 laps, concentrating on aero testing. The Briton tried a new front wing in the morning and a new Ferrari-esque centre wing, just behind the airbox, in the afternoon. He also spent a lot of time on tyre work.

On a warm sunny, calm day, McLaren concentrated on suspension tests. Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard had new parts for both front and rear suspension and new rear suspension geometry was assessed. It also continued its aero work, and the aero and suspension modifications should combine to form a significantly different package for introduction at Barcelona. Raikkonen and Coulthard wound up with the second and third best times of the day.

Marc Gene was the sole Williams driver present, tyre testing in preparation for the San Marino Grand Prix and the Spaniard was fourth quickest.

Renault fielded Fernando Alonso and Franck Montagny, who were working through an engine programme. The pair ended up with very similar times, after completing a lot of laps - 168 for Montagny alone.

Mark Webber's lone Jaguar brought out the red flags twice after it stopped on the circuit, but he drove 118 laps working on tyres and set seventh best time, with the Toyotas of Cristiano da Matta and tester Ryan Briscoe propping up the timesheet.

Rubens Barrichello was on track for Ferrari at its Fiorano test track, working on a tyre development programme and testing of new components at the wheel of an F2004. His best time was 56.838s. Meanwhile, sportscar test driver for the Ferrari Maserati Group, Andrea Bertolini, conducted an aerodynamic testing programme at Vairano.

Jenson Button BAR-Honda M 1m06.930s 136
Kimi Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes M 1m07.435s 74
David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m07.664s 87
Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m07.806s 108
Fernando Alonso Renault M 1m08.002s 96
Franck Montagny Renault M 1m08.078s 168
Mark Webber Jaguar M 1m08.331s 118
Cristiano da Matta Toyota M 1m08.464s 70
Ryan Briscoe Toyota M 1m08.964s 119