MAY 17, 2002

Frentzen leads final day at Paul Ricard

The final day of testing at the Paul Ricard circuit went off without a hitch Friday, as Heinz-Harald Frentzen led all drivers testing for Arrows.

THE final day of testing at the Paul Ricard circuit went off without a hitch Friday, as Heinz-Harald Frentzen led all drivers testing for Arrows. During the team's two day program Frentzen worked on software, tested numerous rear suspension set-ups and completed a tire program for Bridgestone.

Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard concluded McLaren's test program in preparation for Monaco. The teammates, who were fastest at the circuit Thursday, were second and third fastest Friday, over a second off Frentzen's pace.

Nick Heidfeld wrapped up Sauber's four day program in France Friday. The team lost some time when Heidfeld's car developed and oil leak after just seven laps, but the team quickly swapped the Petronas power plant and Heidfeld was able to complete 69 laps of the circuit. The German worked on mechanical set-up, including launch control settings Friday.

Toyota's Allan McNish took over testing duties from Mika Salo Friday, and the Japanese team tested CART driver Cristiano da Matta as well. The Brazilian, one of the favorites to win the CART championship in 2002, was less than a second off McNish's time Friday.

PAUL RICARD TEST - FRIDAY, 17 MAY 2002 POS DRIVER ENTRANT TIME 1. HEINZ-HARALD FRENTZEN Arrows-Cosworth 1:12.530 2. KIMI RAIKKONEN McLaren-Mercedes 1:13.532 3. DAVID COULTHARD McLaren-Mercedes 1:13.694 4. NICK HEIDFELD Sauber-Petronas 1:14.097 5. ALLAN MCNISH Toyota 1:14.235 6. CRISTIANO DA MATTA Toyota 1:15.082