Spanish Duo Top Times at Valencia - Day Three

Spanish driver Pedro de la Rosa returned to the top of the timesheets on the third day of testing at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit.

The McLaren test driver, who had already been fastest on the opening day, posted the quickest time of the week with a best lap of 1:09.979 at the wheel of the Mercedes-powered MP4-19. De la Rosa finished right in front of compatriot Marc Gene, who was the only Williams driver on track. Gene drove the FW26.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello was third quickest in the Ferrari F2004, albeit more than half a second off the pace set by de la Rosa. Barrichello completed the tyre testing programme he was unable to finish on Wednesday due to the poor weather at the Spanish circuit.

Anthony Davidson, fastest yesterday, was fourth today with the BAR '04 concept car. The Briton completed a massive 130 laps despite his car coming to a halt twice during the day due to mechanical problems.

Frenchman Franck Montagny was the busiest man as he continued working with the 2003-spec Renault R23.

"We had a very busy day, trying to get two days' testing done in one," said Christian Silk, Renault's chief test engineer. "In spite of blustery conditions, our programme proved mostly successful, and it was an impressive feat to complete over 500km, including an engine change."

Toyota, apart from Ferrari the only team with two cars on track, were again in action with both their test drivers Ricardo Zonta and Ryan Briscoe. The session, however, was very troubled for the Japanese squad, with Zonta's car stopping on track three times.

Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer was slowest in the F2003-GA.

The Valencia test finishes tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:09.979 44 2. Gene Williams-BMW (M) 1:10.257 61 3. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:10.459 77 4. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:10.734 130 5. Montagny Renault (M) 1:10.947 135 6. Zonta Toyota (M) 1:11.139 85 7. Briscoe Toyota (M) 1:11.189 82 8. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:11.193 115 All Timing Unofficial

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