Testing round-up

Ferrari has split their efforts with tests at both Fiorano and Mugello. The team have been testing on their own at Fiorano since Tuesday, but at Mugello they have been joined by BAR, Sauber and Minardi.

On Thursday, Rubens Barrichello topped the timesheets ahead of BAR's Jacques Villeneuve and Pedro Diniz of Sauber. The Brazilian completed 96 laps at the hot and dry Mugello circuit, concentrating on getting the set-up ready for Spa, "The characteristics of the Mugello track are very similar to the Belgian circuit," said Barrichello, "we are trying to improve the balance of the car and engine."

Ferrari will continue testing today (Friday) when Michael Schumacher will take over duties at Mugello, BAR will test with them, but Sauber and Minardi have completed their preparations.

Meanwhile, at Monza, the troubled Prost team have been trying been trying to find their form for the race at Spa next weekend.

Jean Alesi ran 117 laps over Wednesday and Thursday, testing the condition of he new tarmac and the modifications made at the first and second Monza chicanes. But the test wasn't entirely trouble-free, as the Prost-Peugeot driver suffered an engine failure on both days.


Barrichello Ferrari 1m27.22s - 96 laps
Villeneuve BAR 1m28.41s - 73 laps
Diniz Sauber 1m28.50s - 84 laps
Zonta BAR 1m28.91s - 48 laps
Bernoldi Sauber 1m29.32s - 68 laps
Vinella Minardi 1m32.77s - 55 laps