Zonta Tops the Times at Jerez

Brazilian test driver Ricardo Zonta set the fastest time of the day on Thursday in testing at the Jerez circuit.

Zonta, driving last year's Toyota, posted a best time of 1:16.672 to place himself at the top of the times ahead of his rivals.

Also at Toyota, Jarno Trulli replaced German teammate Ralf Schumacher at the wheel of the TF105, in what was the Italian driver's first taste of the new car from the Japanese squad. Trulli managed a total of 95 laps on his way to the seventh fastest time of the day.

McLaren drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen went head to head for the first time since the Colombian joined the team, both testing with the MP4-19B. The Finn was the quickest of the two after 124 laps, while Montoya covered 92 and was over a tenth of a second slower.

Nick Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia, fighting for the remaining racing seat at the Williams team, also went head to head, the German emerging on top after 146 laps. Pizzonia, who covered over 50 laps less than Heidfeld, was just a tenth slower.

Enrique Bernoldi and Jenson Button were the men in charge of testing duties for the BAR-Honda team, both putting more miles in the 2005 concept car. The Brazilian was the quickest of the two as both outpaced the only Ferrari on track.

Spaniard Marc Gene, who yesterday crashed heavily and could not complete his programme, had a more productive session and covered 107 laps, although he finished at the bottom of the times.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Zonta Toyota (M) 1:16.672 101 2. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:16.814 124 3. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:16.946 92 4. Heidfeld Williams-BMW (M) 1:17.063 146 5. Pizzonia Williams-BMW (M) 1:17.165 94 6. Montagny Renault (M) 1:18.055 118 7. Trulli Toyota (M) 1:18.423 95 8. Bernoldi BAR-Honda (M) 1:18.589 72 9. Button BAR-Honda (M) 1:18.897 118 10. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:19.044 107 All Timing Unofficial

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