Sato Quickest at Jerez - Day One (corrected)

Japanese driver Takuma Sato, recently appointed as one of the four test drivers for the BAR team, set the fastest time on the first day of testing at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. Sato was followed on the timesheets by Olivier Panis.

Contrary to other reports, BAR confirmed that Sato's time - significantly faster than team member Panis - was set legitimately, without cutting the circuit's chicane, which marks the Japanese's achievement allthemore impressive.

"Today I could concentrate on the job in hand as there was pressure on me the last time I drove the car because it was part of the driver development programme," a delighted Sato said later.

"I enjoyed the test and working with the engineers and I learnt a lot and made improvements. Now I know what it is like in Formula One and I'm looking forward to my next opportunity in the car."

Panis, driving the new livery-free BAR-Honda 03 with 2001 regulations, was four tenths of a second quicker than Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer, the Italian team still using the 2000 car.

Badoer, testing for the first time this year, suffered an engine problem which forced the session to be red-flagged until his car was removed from the track.

Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, who was one of the quickest drivers during last month's testing, was unable to repeat his good performances and, driving the new C20 chassis, was fourth fastest.

Testing at Jerez will resume on Tuesday.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Sato BAR-Honda (B) 1:22.76 2. Panis BAR-Honda (B) 1:23.52 3. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:23.92 4. Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:25.45 All Timing Unofficial