MAY 16, 2002

Teams continue development at Valencia

TESTING at the Valencia circuit in Spain continued Thursday, as the teams continue to prepare for the Monaco GP in just over a week. Ralf Schumacher set the fastest lap of the day under sunny skies, taking over duties from Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia who was behind the wheel Tuesday and Wednesday. Schumacher worked on a tire program and was joined by Marc Gene, who concentrated on engine mapping and aerodynamic work.

Giancarlo Fisichella was second fastest Thursday, his second day at Valencia this week. The Italian completed 84 laps, the best of which was nearly a second off Schumacher's time.

Jenson Button began work for Renault Thursday alongside team test driver Fernando Alonso. The team's work was interrupted when Button's car suffered an engine failure, but the young Briton was still able to complete the scheduled tire program for Michelin, while Alonso continued traction control development.

Olivier Panis took over testing duties for teammate Jacques Villeneuve Thursday. Panis' session was also cut short due to a gearbox problem. BAR is currently the only team not to score a championship point in 2002.

VALENCIA TEST - THURSDAY, 16 MAY 2002 POS DRIVER ENTRANT TIME 1. RALF SCHUMACHER Williams-BMW 1:10.592 2. GIANCARLO FISICHELLA Jordan-Honda 1:11.406 3. MARC GENE Williams-BMW 1:11.411 4. JENSON BUTTON Renault 1:11.465 5. OLIVIER PANIS BAR-Honda 1:12.448 6. FERNANDO ALONSO Renault 1:13.095