Schumacher Fastest at Cold and Windy Valencia

A four-day test at the Valencia circuit came to an end today for three Formula One teams who saw their final session hit by problems as the weather made it impossible for them to carry out their scheduled programme.

The original plan was to test on an artificially watered track, but the Spanish weather frustrated the teams' plans and Bridgestone decided not to continue to dampen the circuit in the afternoon.

The fast wind and the low temperatures made it impossible for the drivers to generate normal tyre temperatures.

World Champion Michael Schumacher, the only Ferrari man on track today, posted the quickest time of the session, as he concentrated on development of electronics. In total, he covered 53 laps, six of them on a shortened version of the track.

"Despite the adverse weather, we are happy with what we have achieved today, given that we have gathered some very interesting data," said the German at the end of the day.

The Sauber team wrapped up their three-day programme, but both their drivers suffered from the conditions and were unable to carry out the scheduled plan and switched their focus to pit stop practice and some system checks.

"The weather conditions made it impossible to do useful tyre testing during these three days," admitted Frentzen, second fastest. "This afternoon we concentrated on pit stop and system checks. I am looking forward to going to Barcelona next week where conditions should be better."

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve was also on track, completing BAR's programme at the Valencia circuit.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:12.897 53 2. Frentzen Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:14.201 55 3. Villeneuve BAR-Honda (B) 1:15.315 25 4. Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas (B) no time 14 All Timing Unofficial

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