JANUARY 9, 2002

Coulthard fastest again in Barcelona

Eighteen drivers took to the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona for testing on Wednesday in rainy conditions. The weather cooperated briefly.

EIGHTEEN drivers took to the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona for testing on Wednesday in rainy conditions. The weather cooperated briefly, however, and the track dried in the late afternoon for David Coulthard to set the fastest time for the second day in a row.

Jordan completed their first day of testing Wednesday with Giancarlo Fisichella and newcomer Takuma Sato both driving EJ11s while the other teams present completed the second or third day of their testing programs.

Jacques Villeneuve was behind the wheel of the new BAR 004 for the first time on Wednesday, while teammate Olivier Panis was in last years 003.

Eddie Irvine was the only driver other than Villeneuve in a 2002 car. Irvine completed 41 laps in the new Jaguar R3, while Pedro de la Rosa tested the interim R2C.

Both Ferrari test drivers were in action again on Wednesday. Luca Badoer was the second fastest man on the track behind Coulthard, and Luciano Burti was ninth. Badoer will test again Thursday in Barcelona while Burti heads to Ferrari's Fiorano circuit to test.