AUGUST 23, 2001

Ralf on top form in Barcelona

RALF SCHUMACHER has been preparing for the run in to the end of the Formula 1 season by travelling with Williams to the Circuit de Catalunya in company with the fellow Michelin-shod men of the Benetton team.

RALF SCHUMACHER has been preparing for the run in to the end of the Formula 1 season by travelling with Williams to the Circuit de Catalunya in company with the fellow Michelin-shod men of the Benetton team.

He has yet to be outpaced, and is in all likelihood going to remain the fastest man as Williams prepares a major assault on second place in both the drivers' and constructors' championships.

The German completed 84 laps yesterday, setting a benchmark of 1m 20.419s before going home and letting the official test driver Marc Gene take over the reins. Jenson Button and Mark Webber have been present for Benetton, experimenting with new aerodynamic modifications with Button half a second off Schumacher's pace, Webber a further two seconds adrift.