JULY 12, 2002

Valencia test comes to a close

Renault, Williams and Arrows wrapped up their testing programs before the French GP and the summer testing ban on Friday at the Valencia circuit.

RENAULT, Williams and Arrows wrapped up their testing programs before the French GP and the summer testing ban on Friday at the Valencia circuit. Fernando Alonso concluded Renault's week in Spain at the top of the time sheet. "Another good day's progress today," said technical director Mike Gascoyne, "which has completed a successful week for the team. We are now looking forward to our home Grand Prix next week at Magny Cours."

Sebastien Bourdais completed his first full day behind the wheel of a Formula One car Friday, testing the Arrows A23. The young Frenchman spent Thursday afternoon getting comfortable in the car, but was able to help the team with electrical testing and development work Friday. He was just half a second off Heinz-Harald Frentzen's time in Cosworth-powered machine from Thursday.

Marc Gene was the third driver on the circuit Friday. The Spaniard completed over 100 laps for Williams-BMW, who spent much of the week on a tire development program with Michelin.

The teams will now ready themselves for the French GP on July 21.

VALENCIA TEST - FRIDAY, 12 JULY 2002 POS DRIVER ENTRANT TIME 1. FERNANDO ALONSO Renault 1:11.872 2. SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS Arrows-Cosworth 1:13.217 3. MARC GENE Williams-BMW 1:13.352