Teams split for pre-British GP testing
With Silverstone officially off-limits for testing until after the British Grand Prix on July 15, the Formula 1 teams have packed up their transporters at Magny-Cours and fanned-out in all directions for fine-tuning prior to round 11 of the world championship.
Reigning world champions Ferrari will be at three different tracks, with test driver Luca Badoer putting in the bulk of the mileage. The Italian will be at Mugello on Tuesday, then switch to Fiorano for Wednesday through to Friday. Michael Schumacher joins in on Friday, when Badoer switches his emphasis to shaking down the three F2001s bound for Silverstone.
With Rubens Barrichello taking a short rest from driving duties, the team has also drafted in Alfa Romeo tin-top ace Fabrizio Giovanardi for straightline aero testing at the Vairano circuit.
The European Touring Car Championship points-leader stood in for an injured Badoer in February at Vairano, following a testing accident at Barcelona.
Most popular venue will be Monza, where McLaren, Sauber, Jaguar and British American Racing will all make an appearance.
BAR also heads to Mugello, with Olivier Panis driving on Wednesday, before Jacques Villeneuve takes over for Thursday and Friday. In a game of testing musical chairs, Panis also appears on the third day at Monza, taking over from Darren Manning.
Elsewhere, Arrows takes Jonny Kane to Vairano and Benetton ploughs a lone Spanish furrow, pitching up at Barcelona.
Notable absentees are Minardi and Prost, which has embarked on a cost-saving programme as it allegedly struggles to pay for its supply of customer Ferrari engines.
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