FEBRUARY 25, 2003

Final week of testing underway

This is the final week of testing before the teams head for Australia for the opening round of the new season, and the teams were busy Tuesday at circuits across Europe.

Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya lapped in rainy conditions in Jerez Tuesday. Schumacher tested in the F2002, and new F2003-GA, setting the fastest time of the day in the latter. Montoya was nearly three seconds off his rival's time in the new Williams.

Jacques Villeneuve set the pace at Imola. The BAR driver was joined on track by the Williams of Marc Gene and Toyota of Cristiano da Matta.

In Silverstone, Kimi Raikkonen was fastest while testing with teammate David Coulthard, and Renault teammates Jarno Trulli and Allan McNish. The Renault duo was able to complete a massive 265 laps between them.

Testing will intensify throughout the week.