Ricard 2: Button on top
Poor weather conditions hampered teams during the second day of testing at Paul Ricard in southern France today (Wednesday), but that didn't stop Jenson Button bouncing back from his Spanish Grand Prix disappointments to set the fastest time
Button lapped his BAR-Honda in 1m32.954s, slower than Pedro de la Rosa achieved yesterday for McLaren, although the track was 'green' after rain fell for much of the day. It only dried towards the end of the session, and Button wound up a couple of tenths clear of Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia as he tested tyres in preparation for the Canadian Grand Prix. The low downforce version of the Ricard venue was in operation today.
Alexander Wurz was third quickest for McLaren, as the team concentrates on engine developments, ahead of Toyota's Olivier Panis, who was working on a tyre programme. Frank Montagny was fifth fastest for Renault, ahead of de la Rosa, whose car broke down at the end of the pit lane near the close of the day. Marc Gene (Williams) and Ricardo Zonta (Toyota) were next up.
The slowest man on the day, Jordan's Nick Heidfeld, suffered a high-speed crash when he spun off at the fast corner on the backstraight and hit the wall. He was uninjured, but the team is not sure whether the damage can be fixed in time for tomorrow.
Thursday sees a switch to the shorter, high-downforce specification layout as teams gear up for the Monaco Grand Prix. Juan Pablo Montoya is expected to join in for Williams, while Takuma Sato will take over from Button if the Briton is satisfied with today's work.
Ferrari continued its two-pronged testing programme in Italy. At Fiorano, Michael Schumacher completed 57 laps, his best time being a swift 56.466s. At Mugello, meanwhile, Luca Badoer managed 69 laps, his quickest lap 1m19.457s. Schumacher will continue at Fiorano, while Rubens Barrichello takes over from Badoer at Mugello.
Sauber Petronas continued its three-day test at Silverstone on Wednesday. Felipe Massa covered 71 laps in his C23 to set a best time of 1m19.980s. Tomorrow, Giancarlo Fisichella will take over the driving to complete the test.
Jenson Button BAR-Honda M 1m32.954s 72
Antonio Pizzonia Williams-BMW M 1m33.130s 87
Alexander Wurz McLaren-Mercedes M 1m34.511s 69
Olivier Panis Toyota M 1m35.132s 34
Franck Montagny Renault M 1m35.583s 36
Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes M 1m35.657s 90
Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m35.850s 85
Ricardo Zonta Toyota M 1m37.033s 51
Nick Heidfeld Jordan B 1m37.383s 48
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