OCTOBER 3, 2001

Testing underway in Barcelona

EDDIE IRVINE posted the fastest time Wednesday at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona during testing in preparation for the Japanese Grand Prix and the 2002 World Championship season.

Irvine was joined by F3000 driver Antonio Pizzonia who tested for Williams and was just three tenths off the Briton's fastest time, and more than half a second faster than regular Williams test driver Mark Gene.

Alexander Wurz and Darren Turner ran for McLaren - which clinched second place in the Constructors Championship at Indianapolis when both Williams retired.

Mark Webber continued development of next year's R202 for Benetton, testing the exhaust system Jenson Button began testing at Silverstone two weeks ago as well as conducting electronics and brake work for next season.

BARCELONA TEST - WEDNESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2001

POS

DRIVER ENTRANT TIME

1.

EDDIE IRVINE Jaguar 1:20.728

2.

ANTONIO PIZZONIA Williams-BMW 1:21.131

3.

ALEXANDER WURZ McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.166

4.

MARC GENE Williams-BMW 1:21.688

5.

MARK WEBBER Benetton-Renault 1:21.843

6.

DARREN TURNER McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.874