FEBRUARY 18, 2002

Final week of testing begins

FINAL testing began on grand prix tracks in Great Britain, Italy and France for various teams on Monday.

Four drivers took to the Silverstone circuit Monday for Renault, Arrows and Jordan to begin their final tests before the Australian GP in less than two weeks.

Renault's Jarno Trulli posted the fastest lap in the Renault R202, completing 64 laps, a considerable amount more than any other driver on the circuit.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen completed just 18 laps in the new Arrows A23, but managed quicker laps than Jordan drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato, who each completed just 5 laps.

Jaguar will join the Silverstone test on Tuesday, where Jenson Button and Enrique Bernoldi are also expected to run for Renault and Arrows.

Ferrari began testing at Imola on Monday with world champion Michael Schumacher and test driver Luca Badoer. Schumacher conducted tire testing and setup work in the F2001, which he will drive in Melbourne on March 3rd, while Badoer continued to develop the F2002.

Sauber was also in Italy for its final day of testing before heading to Melbourne. Felipe Massa suffered an accident in Mugello which ended the day early for the Swiss team, who must now repair both C21s before shipping them to Australia.

Olivier Panis kicked off BAR's final four days of testing at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France. The Frenchman conducted engine development work for Honda, and will continue his work on Tuesday. Jacques Villeneuve will take over for his teammate on Wednesday and Thursday.

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