Ricard 4: Sato on top form

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen had set the pace for most of the day, but towards the end of the afternoon session, the Japanese driver rolled out of the pits and posted a flier. Shortly afterwards a rain shower curtailed everyone's programme.

Although the BAR team is carrying a lot of confidence into the Monaco weekend Sato was quick to point out that he is not sure of the 006 chassis' ultimate potential on the street circuit. "I don't know how to judge it," he said. "It's up to Michelin to see if we get our sums right."

Although teams were testing in preparation for the twisty layout, Paul Ricard's track surface is too abrasive for Michelin's Monaco tyres and thus an element of guesswork is required.

"The car was very stable in high downforce configuration," said Sato. "The Monaco-spec engine was very good too!"

Raikkonen completed 125 trouble free laps and was fast all day as McLaren made progress. The Finn ended the test two tenths faster than Juan Pablo Montoya's Williams BMW in third.

Renault test driver Franck Montagny was fourth fastest ahead of David Coulthard in the other McLaren. Antonio Pizzonia was sixth for Williams, who were trying out minor engine modifications.

Takuma Sato BAR-Honda M 1m10.472s 151
Kimi Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes M 1m10.537s 125
Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m10.769s 97
Franck Montagny Renault M 1m11.085s 163
David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m11.163s 119
Antonio Pizzonia Williams-BMW M 1m11.272s 119
Olivier Panis Toyota M 1m11.815s 88
Cristiano da Matta Toyota M 1m12.045s 103
Timo Glock Jordan B 1m13.768s 100