Jerez testing: Brits still on top

Wilson had an impressive run at Imola last week, setting the top time of the two day test in his Nordic Lola, but it was Manning who came out on top in Spain. The Arden driver vied for the top spot with Wilson on both Wednesday and Thursday, but set the fastest overall time on old tyres during the morning session of the second day.

"It was a good test for us," said Arden team boss Christian Horner. "Everything went to plan performance-wise and I'm pretty pleased with the way things are going. We weren't able to set any really quick times at Imola last week, so it's good to come here and be on the pace."

The Banbury-based Arden squad had an inconsistent year in 2000, with Manning struggling to qualify well and only making it into the points on two occasions. However, Horner believes that in 2001 there is no reason why the team shouldn't perform in what could be a make-or-break year for it.

"The bottom line is that this year we have got to win races," he said. "For the championship, it's only going to be between five to eight drivers and really it's down to who is consistent and who can keep their form going."

Wilson looks certain to be among those competing at the front and after two successful tests, the 1998 Formula Palmer Audi champion is in confident mood.

"I'm very pleased," he said. "We were quick in the hotter afternoon session and this is a good indication of how the car will perform during a race, which is encouraging. Jerez is very hard on tyres, which makes setting a fast time more difficult than normal."

Sebastien Bourdais, who switches French teams from the Prost Junior squad to DAMS for this year, finished in third place, while team mate Derek Hill finished two spots behind in fifth. The pair were spilt by Wilson's Nordic team mate Tomas Enge.

The second Arden International driver Viktor Maslov put in an improved performance to go sixth fastest after finishing the first day in second place. The Russian struggled last year and failed to score, finishing the season with a best result of 15th place at Hockenheim.

Testing continues at Silverstone next month when the final running will take place before the opening round of the season at Interlagos in Brazil on April 1.


Darren Manning, Arden, 1m33.208s
Justin Wilson, Nordic, 1m33.453s
Sebastien Bourdais, DAMS, 1m33.595s
Tomas Enge, Nordic, 1m33.893s
Derek Hill, DAMS, 1m34.031s
Viktor Maslov, Arden, 1m34.164s
Bas Leinders, KTR, 1m34.279s
Nicolas Filliberti, Prost Junior Team, 1m34.762s
Joel Camathias, KTR, 1m36.051s