APRIL 4, 2002
Raikkonen leads final day at Valencia
Kimi Raikkonen set the pace at the Valencia circuit in Spain for the second day in a row in cold, damp conditions.
Alexander Wurz joined Raikkonen testing for McLaren, and was third fastest on the day, ahead of Sauber's Felipe Massa. Massa took over for teammate Nick Heidfeld, who tested Tuesday and Wednesday. "It feels good to be back in the car," said the young Brazilian. "I quite like the Valencia track, and it was in much better condition today than yesterday, when Nick Heidfeld reported that it was quite dirty. I'm pleased that we were able to complete our program."
Giancarlo Fisichella continued to work with Honda's newest offering. The Italian tested a EJ12 fitted with the new motor, and finished the day fifth fastest. "I'm fairly happy with the progress made over the last few days. We completed the program, and understood some new things about the brakes and set-up, which is what testing is all about. With regards to set-up we are very close to where we want to be and there have been some developments with the engine, which looks promising." Olivier Panis, who tested the new powerplant Wednesday, went back to the current spec engine Thursday.
Allan McNish continued to develop the TF102, but gearbox problems limited his afternoon running.
Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso shared a Renault Thursday, Trulli completed 30 laps in the morning before handing the R202 over to the Spaniard.
Anthony Davidson was in action for BAR, but crashed heavily in the afternoon after a suspected suspension failure, and Pedro De la Rosa continued development of the ever-improving R3.
The teams will now prepare to travel to Imola for the San Marino GP on Sunday, April 14.
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