Schumacher leads test times at Jerez

Apart from Arrows the whole of the Grand Prix grid was present at the first
official Bridgestone tyre test of 1999 at Jerez to make preparations ahead of the
start of the European season.

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher was fastest, setting a best lap of 1.24.63,
but team mate Eddie Irvine was unable to test, confined to bed with
mild 'flu. The Australian Grand Prix winner is expected to test today.

The Jordan team had an eventful day, with Damon Hill spinning off the track
in the morning session and damaging the underside of his car. Heinz-Harald
Frentzen managed fourth fastest with a time of 1.25.75.

Minardi driver Luca Badoer returned to the team after recuperating with a
broken wrist, following a testing shunt at Fiorano last month.

He took it gently, but was still faster than his team mate Marc Gene, with a
best time of 1.29.65. He complained of feeling tired after 27 laps of
testing, and will decide this morning whether he feels fit enough to drive at
San Marino next weekend, but it is likely that the Italian will compete in
his home grand prix.

Williams driver Alex Zanardi had a very successful day. He completed more
laps than he managed to in Melbourne and Brazil put together, saying, 'it's
got to be a positive step!'

BAR ran former Tyrrell and Arrows driver Mika Salo yesterday, who will
deputise for Ricardo Zonta if the Brazilian is not declared fit for next
week's race. Zonta is recovering from a foot operation after crashing in
practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Testing continues today and Saturday.