Silv 1: Pizzonia on top

Williams tester Antonio Pizzonia set the fastest time on the first day's testing at Silverstone. The Brazilian was well under the official lap record of 1m22.236s, and his time of 1m18.275s is believed to be the fastest test time run at the circuit to date

WilliamsF1's other test driver Marc Gene was third fastest. WilliamsF1 technical director Patrick Head left Imola unhappy with the performance of the FW26 and the principal purpose of the team's visit to Silverstone appears to be to try and unlock some more of the car's potential before the Spanish Grand Prix.

"You have to say that Jenson [Button] and BAR have taken a step closer to Ferrari this season and that means that we all have to make another step to catch up as well," said Head. "That is what we are planning to do."

Jarno Trulli was third quickest for Renault which was putting more miles on its new B-spec engine. Trulli was was joined by Renault test driver Franck Montagny, who concentrated on a Michelin tyre programme, although the French team did experiment with some ride-height settings.

The two McLarens driven by Alex Wurz and David Coulthard were fourth and fifth fastest while Montagny, concentrating on aero developments, brought up the rear.

Antonio Pizzonia WilliamsF1-BMW M 1m18.291s 102
Marc Gene WilliamsF1-BMW M 1m18.604s 70
Jarno Trulli Renault M 1m18.724s 79
Alex Wurz McLaren-Mercedes M 1m19.341s 42
David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m19.406s 50
Franck Montagny Renault M 1m19.717s 97

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin