DECEMBER 4, 2002

Panis quickest in Barcelona test

Six of the teams returned to Barcelona Wednesday for the second day of testing at the Spanish circuit this week. Olivier Panis was the fastest man on the track while conducting tire testing for Michelin. The Frenchman was fractionally faster than the McLaren duo of Alexander Wurz and David Coulthard, who were second and third fastest Wednesday.

Mark Webber was third fastest Wednesday in the Jaguar R3, after leading the test on Tuesday. Webber's teammate, Antonio Pizzonia, was finally able to complete a significant number of laps in the interim R3B. The Brazilian has been plagued by crashes and mechanical failures recently, but was able to complete 50 laps Wednesday with the new gearbox, suspension and Cosworth engine bound for next year's car.

Williams tested with Ralf Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc Gene Wednesday. Schumacher and Montoya suffered engine failures (2002 spec), while Gene had a mechanical failure limit his running.

Anthony Davidson continued development for BAR. The Briton completed nearly 80 laps while developing the team's 2003 challenger, finishing the day eighth fastest.

Renault tested with three drivers Wednesday. Fernando Alonso was behind the wheel to conduct a brake and tire evaluation and finished the day marginally quicker than French drivers Romain Dumas and Thiago Montero. Dumas tested with the team Tuesday, and half of Wednesday before handing the R202 over to countryman Montero, who will continue testing Thursday.