Valencia day 5: Pizzonia breaks record

The Brazilian set a best lap of 1m10.08s, beating Montoya's mark from Monday by 0.07s. The Colombian set the second fastest time of the test, once again driving the 2002-specification Williams whilst conducting tyre testing for the team.

Pizzonia was understandably pleased with the progress made by the Jaguar squad. "The car was getting better at Barcelona last week, and we've now made a further step forward," he said. "The balance is a lot better now. Hopefully next week we'll have two cars and we can do some long runs and race simulations."

Jacques Villeneuve set the third quickest time, and also completed a long-run wearing the Head and Neck Support device that he has been an outspoken critic of. "It was very difficult and it's very uncomfortable," said the Canadian. "But I suppose I have to get on with it."

Villeneuve was also happy with the speed of his car, if not the reliability. His day ended when his Honda engine blew up along the main straight late in the session. He said: "It was a good day and the car was very quick, but it's still very fragile."

Marc Gene and Ralf Schumacher were the other drivers in action, both driving 2003 Williams. Both cars suffered a number of small technical problems throughout the day, although Schumacher completed over 88 laps in his machine.

"The car is getting better," said Gene. "We just have to focus on the aerodynamic balance." To this end, the team has switched testing venues for next week, preferring to go to the aerodynamically demanding Barcelona circuit rather than returning to Valencia.

Antonio Pizzonia Jaguar M 1m10.08s 25
Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m11.18s 97*
Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda B 1m11.32s 75
Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m11.89s 42
Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW M 1m12.38s 88

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin
* denotes 2002 car