Sato on Top at Silverstone - Day One

Four Formula One teams began today their final test before the start of the season, working at the Silverstone circuit in England.

Japanese driver Takuma Sato finished on top of the timesheets with BAR's hybrid 005 chassis as the Brackley-based outfit continued to impress in pre-season testing. Sato, the only BAR driver in action today, was less than a tenth of a second faster than the closest of his rivals.

Renault's Jarno Trulli was second quickest in the R24, the Italian testing two new gearboxes, and shaking down the new chassis for the Australian Grand Prix. Test driver Franck Montagny drove the R23 car and posted the third fastest time of the day.

"Jarno shook down the R24 and ran in the gearboxes over short 12 lap runs, with each performing as expected," said Renault's engineering boss Pat Symonds. "The race drivers will conduct pitstop practice with the new car tomorrow. As for Franck, he made good progress with suspension development on the R23.

"Overall, this week will just be about checking everything is in order before leaving for Melbourne, and we are on track so far."

Jaguar's test driver Bjorn Wirdheim was fourth quickest with the R5, while Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, carrying out start and straight-line testing with the old Williams FW25, did not set a time.

Testing at Silverstone continues tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Sato BAR-Honda (M) 1:19.542 2. Trulli Renault (M) 1:19.640 3. Montagny Renault (M) 1:20.256 4. Wirdheim Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:21.024 All Timing Unofficial