Another lap record for Ralf at Barcelona

Williams has been setting lap records on a regular basis since the FW26 hit the track and Ralf Schumacher set his second consecutive record at the Circuit de Catalunya today. His best was 1:15.630, .036 quicker than yesterday. Ralf ...

Williams has been setting lap records on a regular basis since the FW26 hit the track and Ralf Schumacher set his second consecutive record at the Circuit de Catalunya today. His best was 1:15.630, .036 quicker than yesterday.

Ralf Schumacher.

Photo by Sutton Motorsport Images.

It was close at the top of the times, the second Williams FW26 of Juan Pablo Montoya was just four hundredths behind his teammate and Renault's Fernando Alonso five hundredths behind the Colombian. Schumacher focused on mechanical and aerodynamic set up while Montoya worked on traction control and simulating race starts.

Williams also had Nico Rosberg on track, a respectable seventh fastest. The youngster was having his third test with the team and worked on familiarizing himself with various aero and mechanical set ups in the FW25A.

Alonso, third quickest, was less than a tenth behind Schumacher -- a good result for the Spaniard in the interim Renault chassis against the new Williams. However, Renault's new R24 fared less well, tenth of the fourteen cars on track with Jarno Trulli behind the wheel.

Trulli was hampered by a technical problem that stopped him out on the track but director of engineering Pat Symonds was mainly happy with the day. Alonso continued electronic testing and will drive the new car tomorrow.

Rubens Barrichello was the best Ferrari, fourth fastest, while test driver Luca Badoer was sixth on the time sheet. The pair continued with tyre, electronic and engine work and Michael Schumacher will take the wheel tomorrow for his first winter test. The BAR of Jenson Button split the scarlet cars, fifth, while Button's teammate Takuma Sato was 13th.

Felipe Massa continued for Sauber, working on aerodynamics and tyres and was eighth fastest. Giancarlo Fisichella takes over tomorrow. Cristiano da Matta and tester Ricardo Zonta were present again for Toyota, ninth and 11th respectively. Da Matta drove the new TF104 but was hampered by an engine change due to a driveshaft problem.

Cristian Klien was the sole Jaguar on track and completed 55 laps in the R5 to clock 12th quickest. Last on the timesheet was Bas Leinders, who unfortunately commenced his first F1 test with a crash. Trying out the Jordan, he crashed on his out lap and the team had to build the second chassis in order for Leinders to do a limited 18 laps.

Timo Glock, who tested for Jordan yesterday, will take over for the team tomorrow morning and Nick Heidfeld will follow him in the afternoon and finish on Friday.