FEBRUARY 18, 2003

Testing continues in Barcelona

Testing continued at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona Tuesday, where Olivier Panis showed the potential of the new Toyota TF103 by setting the fastest time on the day, outpacing Renault's Fernando Alonso by about four tenths of a second.

Panis worked on tire and engine development, as well as low-fuel runs in preparation for qualifying. It was during one of the practice qualifying laps when he set his fastest time. Cristiano Da Matta was also in action for Toyota, in a TF102 chassis. The Brazilian was eighth fastest on the day.

Jordan continued testing the EJ13 with Giancarlo Fisichella and Ralph Firman. Fisichella was able to complete 57 laps of the circuit, but Firman's day was interrupted by an accident after 49 laps, which sidelined him for the rest of the day.

Williams tested with Ralf Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc Gene Tuesday. Schumacher and Montoya continued behind the wheel of the new car, while Gene worked in a FW24.

Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve were in action for BAR. Villeneuve's day lasted just 11 laps because of a blown gearbox, while his young teammate was able to complete over 40 laps.

Testing will continue Wednesday at the Spanish circuit.