Silverstone day 2: Button flying high

On-form Briton Jenson Button continued to set the pace at the Silverstone Formula 1 test today (wednesday), beating his benchmark time from yesterday

The Renault driver, who has scored points in the past three consecutive Grands Prix, lowered his mark to 1m21.923s. That proved two tenths quicker than Ralf Schumacher's best in the Williams-BMW.

Renault technical director Mike Gascoyne said: "We concentrated on a tyre development programme for Michelin today. Jenson was pleased with the car once again, and the times were very competitive. Overall, it was a productive day."

Eddie Irvine was an encouraging third fastest for Jaguar, ahead of Sauber's Nick Heidfeld. BAR's Olivier Panis and Arrows's Heinz-Harald Frentzen completed the variety of cars in the top six.

Williams test driver Marc Gene returned to the cockpit following his high-speed crash at Bridge corner yesterday. The Spaniard managed 34 laps and was eighth fastest.

Jacques Villenueve was held up by engine problems and only got out on to the track at the very end of the day. BAR tester Anthony Davidson used a 2001-spec car and despite having troubles in the morning managed 49 laps in total. Minardi joined the test with Alex Yoong propping up the time sheets.

Jenson Button Renault R202 M 1m21.923s 55
Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW FW24 M 1m22.160s 40
Eddie Irvine Jaguar R3 M 1m22.456s 71
Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas C21 B 1m23.105s 74
Heinz-Harald Frentzen Arrows-Cosworth A22 B 1m23.106s 79
Olivier Panis BAR-Honda 004 B 1m23.289s 50
Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda EJ12 B 1m23.334s 54
Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda EJ12 B 1m23.420s 46
Marc Gene Williams-BMW FW24 M 1m23.522s 34
Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda 004 B 1m23.792s 3
Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda 003 B 1m23.821s 49
Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech PS02 M 1m24.877s 41

M=Michelin
B=Bridgestone