JULY 20, 2000

Fisichella in high-speed mood

BENETTON'S Ginacarlo Fisichella completed his final day of testing at Silverstone with the fastest time of the day, but was more concerned with his set-up ahead of the German Grand Prix next week.

BENETTON'S Ginacarlo Fisichella completed his final day of testing at Silverstone with the fastest time of the day, but was more concerned with his set-up ahead of the German Grand Prix next week.

The Italian driver's aim during the test was to increase the mileage on the engine, but his progress was hampered by some minor problems and numerous red flags on the track.

But despite the different set-ups and the interruptions, Fisichella, who completed 28 laps, still managed to clock a quick lap of one minute and 24.948 outpacing Briton Jenson Button.

Olivier Panis was also at work at the Northamptonshire circuit and he kept up the pace for McLaren going third quickest ahead of Sauber test driver Enrique Bernoldi.

The on-form Brazilian Luciano Burti was fourth fastest ahead of championship challenger David Coulthard.

Times after Thursday's testing at Silverstone:

POS DRIVER ENTRANT TIME
Giancarlo Fisichella Benetton 1:24.948 
Jenson Button  Williams  1:24.972 
Olivier Panis  McLaren  1:25.678
Enrique Bernoldi Sauber  1:26.443 
Luciano Burti  Jaguar  1:26.939 
David Coulthard  McLaren  1:26.953 
Antonio Pizzonia  Benetton  1:27.117 
Patrick Lemarie  BAR  1:27.186 
Jarno Trulli  Jordan  1:28.444 
10  Ricardo Zonta  BAR 1:28.710