Valencia day 4: Webber fastest

The Australian conducted a mock race day for the British team, completing a short warm-up in the morning and then a simulated race distance run in the afternoon. His best time of 1m11.46s was 0.36s faster than Juan Pablo Montoya, despite the fact that Webber completed 114 laps.

"Reliability was the name of the game today," said Webber. "It was a very good day. I finished the race distance and I think I've found a very good baseline with the car. On heavy fuel the car was very good, which was very encouraging. Next week we'll have two cars running so we'll find out a bit more, but it was a very encouraging day."

Montoya set the second fastest time in a 2002 specification Williams, and was concentrating on tyre developments. Team-mate Ralf Schumacher and test driver Marc Gene were at the wheel of 2003-spec cars, although the German was only able to complete 10 laps, with his car stuck in the pits for most of the day. It was Gene's first run in a FW25, albeit without the latest aerodynamic modifications, but he was impressed with the car.

"It's not a bad car at all," said Gene. "I haven't got the full package yet, but it's a completely new car. We're just learning it and it's getting better. It's very encouraging."

Giancarlo Fisichella set the third quickest time, but was unhappy with the handling of his Jordan. The car began to develop a nervous rear-end yesterday, and Fisichella was unable to solve the problem today. "I'm just not quite sure what's wrong with it," said the Italian. "We'll have to find out in Barcelona.

Jenson Button was also in action, and concentrated on long runs for tyre development purposes.

Mark Webber Jaguar M 1m11.46s 114
Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m11.82s 43*
Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Ford B 1m11.89s 32
Jenson Button BAR-Honda B 1m11.98s 80
Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m12.51s 27
Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW M 1m13.58s 10

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin
* denotes 2002 car