Valencia day 1: Coulthard fastest

Michelin - who had hired the circuit exclusively - continuously soaked the track throughout the day, and the teams ended up trying its new intermediate rubber in the heat of the afternoon.

Coulthard headed Montoya by half a second at the end of play. The duo had a mini 'race' at one point, with Montoya cheekily getting past him by taking the short-cut at Turn 7. Unfortunately, Juan Pablo immediately ploughed straight on at the following corner, and only rejoined after DC had passed him again.

Jarno Trulli was third quickest for Renault, despite four trips into the gravel during the day. His team-mate Jenson Button, who was fastest on full wets, was fifth quickest, the pair being separated by Eddie Irvine in last year's Jaguar.

Pedro de la Rosa drove the new Jag R3 in the afternoon and was again slowest. Kimi Raikkonen, meanwhile, was sixth fastest in his McLaren.

Neither Toyota or Minardi took part in the test but are all set up for tomorrow (Tuesday). Bridgestone teams British American Racing, Jordan and Ferrari have arrived in preparation for tomorrow's open test.


David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m30.748s
Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m31.312s
Jarno Trulli Renault M 1m32.020s
Eddie Irvine Jaguar M 1m32.180s
Jenson Button Renault M 1m32.204s
Kimi Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes M 1m32.703s
Pedro de la Rosa M 1m34.448s

M - Michelin