FEBRUARY 3, 2003

Testing in Barcelona

Seven teams gathered in Barcelona for testing Monday, where all except Ferrari ran new cars in preparation for the new season which kicks off in Melbourne on March 9th.

Seven teams gathered in Barcelona for testing Monday, where all except Ferrari ran new cars in preparation for the new season which kicks off in Melbourne on March 9th.

In F2002 chassis, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher set the fastest laps Monday in Barcelona. Barrichello outpaced his teammate, and the reigning world champion, by about four tenths of a second, as each worked on a tire testing program for Bridgestone.

Williams put the new FW25 on the track for the first time this weekend, and continued work with Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher Monday. The car has run with a partial 2002-spec aerodynamic package so far, and will run in full 2003 trim at Valencia next week.

Cristiano Da Matta showed a promising pace for Toyota, finishing the day third fastest behind the Ferraris while running the new TF103.

In the new Renault R23, Jarno Trulli and Allan McNish worked on engine mapping, as well as tire testing for Michelin. Trulli ended the day fourth fastest, while McNish was eleventh.

BAR tested the 005 with teammates Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve, both of whom encountered engine problems that limited their running.

Nick Heidfeld was able to complete some aerodynamic testing for Sauber Monday, after windy conditions in Valencia last week prevented the team from collecting much useful data. Heidfeld continue work in Barcelona Tuesday before moving to Lurcy-Levis in France for straight-line testing of the C22 on Wednesday.

Antonio Pizzonia was also in action for Jaguar, continuing development of the R4. Pizzonia completed over 40 laps, ending the day seventh fastest out of eleven drivers.

Testing will continue in Barcelona Tuesday.