APRIL 14, 2006

Renault still on top in Barcelona

Renault headed the times on two of the three days of testing in Barcelona this week, with Heikki Kovalainen setting the fastest time overall of 1m 13.928s on Friday to head team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.

The indications are that the opposition is growing, however. Honda had a good test, as did Toyota, Jarno Trulli setting the fastest time on Thursday in the TF106. McLaren and Ferrari were also close to the pace, and Michael Schumacher says that his championship challenge will really start next weekend in Imola. Red Bull was also upbeat, chief test engineer Ian Morgan describing the team's three days as its best test of the year. BMW, Williams and Toro Rosso were also present, the first named again showing promising pace.

Super Aguri intended to use the test to benchmark troubled rookie Yuji Ide, but hydraulics problems on Friday prevented him from getting a run.

Midland focused on aero work and launch testing at Silverstone this week.

The testing was important, as teams chased aerodynamic set-ups for the start of the European season, while also making their tyre choices for the San Marino Grand Prix.