Schumacher Shatters Imola Record - Day Three

World Champion Michael Schumacher shattered the Imola circuit record on the third day of testing at the Italian circuit.

The German World Champion clocked a best time of 1:19.664 with his Ferrari F2004, improving on the track record by almost a second. The previous benchmark was a 1:20.411, set by Schumacher himself in February last year with the F2003-GA car.

The Imola test is the first one that sees Ferrari on the same track as their main rivals Williams and McLaren.

McLaren's David Coulthard was second fastest in the MP4-19 as the British squad completed their preparation work ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who took over from German teammate Ralf Schumacher today, posted the third quickest time with the Williams FW26.

Montoya was almost 1.5 seconds slower than Ferrari's Schumacher today.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello worked with the old Ferrari F2003-GA, concentrating on tyre testing and setting the fourth fastest time of the session.

Toyota drivers Cristiano da Matta and Olivier Panis finished at the bottom of the timesheets for the second consecutive day. Da Matta, involved in an spectacular spin in the morning, outpaced the French veteran on his way to the fifth quickest time of the session.

The Imola test comes to an end tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:19.664 98 2. Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.928 69 3. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:21.026 72 4. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:21.235 52 5. da Matta Toyota (M) 1:22.162 69 6. Panis Toyota (M) 1:24.356 54 All Timing Unofficial

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