Schumacher Joins Badoer at Fiorano

World champion Michael Schumacher joined test driver Luca Badoer as the Ferrari team continued working for the third day at the Fiorano track.

During the morning, Badoer continued with development work on new electronic solutions at the wheel of the F1-2000. The Italian driver completed 53 laps with a best time of 1:01.353.

Championship leader Schumacher joined Badoer today and began working with the F2001, in preparation for the San Marino Grand Prix, concentrating mainly on set-up, tyres and aerodynamics.

The test, however, was interrupted ahead of schedule, when the German touched the barrier at the exit of the bridge, damaging the car's rear suspension. Schumacher ran 52 laps with a best time of 1:00.179.

Schumacher also took the opportunity to talk about the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished behind David Coulthard, who stopped the German's winning streak.

"All in all, coming second in Brazil was a good result, given everything that happened," Schumacher said. "Of course I would have preferred to win but you can't do it all the time.

"The Williams was very competitive but I think we will continue to see a very strong Ferrari. Is Hakkinen out of the running for the title? The situation is similar to last year's. What I can say is that it is too early to make this sort of statement. We have only done three races so far."

Both drivers will resume working at Fiorano on Friday.