AUGUST 17, 2000

Panis tops times at Silverstone for a third day

MCLAREN test driver Olivier Panis made it three in a row as he yet again topped the times in testing at Silverstone on Thursday.

Panis, who has confirmed that he will drive for British American Racing next year, recorded a fastest lap time of one minute and 23.87 seconds to beat off the competition of reigning World Champion Mika Hakkinen.

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher took over the testing duties for his team and worked on the set-up for his car for the forthcoming Belgian Grand Prix. The German posted the third fastest time of one minute and 26.31 seconds.

Arrows Pedro de la Rosa was fourth fastest, clocking a lap time of one minute and 26.49 seconds, with Jarno Trulli in a Jordan, continuing work on his set-up, running fifth quickest timing one minute 27.03

Jaguar pair Eddie Irvine and test driver Luciano Burti brought up the rear of the field with times of 1:27.83 and 1:27.95 respectively.

Times after testing at Silverstone on Thursday:

POS DRIVER ENTRANT TIME
Olivier Panis McLaren 1:23.87
Mika Hakkinen McLaren 1:24.93
Ralf Schumacher Williams 1:26.31
Pedro de la Rosa Arrows 1:26.49
Jarno Trulli Jordan 1:27.03
Eddie Irvine Jaguar 1:27.83
Luciano Burti Jaguar 1:27.95