Ricard 4: Button on top

The Briton was working on a new suspension unit, testing it throughout the morning but switching back to the existing unit after the run proved inconclusive. He also tested various Michelin tyre compounds and constructions ahead of next month's San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. He will continue back-to-back testing of the suspension set-up at Barcelona in April.

"It has been a really good test for me," said Jenson. "We have had no reliability problems and have again been on the pace. We have done a lot of good work with the tyres choice for Imola, and also some aero revisions and engine improvements for Bahrain."

BAR test driver Anthony Davidson, in the hybrid car, was conducting more tyre work but his day was hampered by an oil leak which necessitated an engine change. Unfortunately, the newly-installed power unit blew up after just 12 laps after he set the third fastest time.

McLaren's Alex Wurz was also hindered by technical problems, a chassis glitch ending his day's testing. Team-mate Pedro de la Rosa continued reliability work on a new carbon gearbox.

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher proved he was pushing his Michelin rubber to the limit, ahead of Imola. He picked up a left-rear puncture at around 11am which caused a spin, but he was pleased with his day's tyre work. IRL champion Scott Dixon worked his way down to 1m11.753s before jetting back to America - but setting the fourth fastest time was not a bad start to his F1 career.

Toyota tester Ricardo Zonta was the only other driver present, and he was working on tyres, set-up and electronics. He too suffered a chassis problem in the afternoon.

Ferrari concluded its pre-Bahrain GP tyre test programme at Fiorano today when Michael Schumacher completed 106 laps in mainly wet conditions in an F2004. His best time was a 59.425s.


Jenson Button BAR-Honda 1m10.846s 80
Ralf Schumacher Williams 1m11.330s 144
Anthony Davidson BAR** 1m11.628s 48
Scott Dixon Williams 1m11.753s 59
Alex Wurz McLaren 1m12.256s 22
Ricardo Zonta Toyota 1m12.427s 57
Franck Montagny Renault* 1m12.524s 141
Pedro de la Rosa McLaren 1m12.638s 96
*2003 car
**hybrid car