Valencia, day 1: Sato dominates

British American Racing and Sauber set up shop at the twisty Valencia circuit today (Tuesday), and BAR tester Takuma Sato went quickest. The Japanese driver completed a marathon 104 laps, concentrating on set-up work for the Monaco Grand Prix

May 20, 2003, 8:18 PM

Britain's Anthony Davidson kept his BAR three seconds ahead of the only other car out there, the Sauber of 19-year-old Swiss driver Neel Jani. Jani completed a total of 60 laps around the Ricardo Tormo circuit, and enjoyed a trouble-free day except for one brief off.

"When I was here the last time I was 16 and my Formula Renault had five times less horsepower," said Jani. "I was very impressed with how easily this car handled today."

Meanwhile, Felipe Massa got behind the wheel of a new Ferrari at Fiorano, The Brazilian carried out tyre testing duties for Bridgestone and also concentrated on aerodynamics work. He completed 25 laps with a fastest time of 58.238s.

Testing at Valencia and Fiorano continues tomorrow.

Takuma Sato BAR-Honda B 1m12.90s 104
A Davidson BAR-Honda B 1m13.50s 87
N Jani Sauber-Petronas B 1m16.40s 60

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin