Back to work for Formula One

After the six week testing ban since the Japanese Grand Prix, Formula One heads back to the track tomorrow to commence winter work. Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya has Ferrari, Jaguar, BAR and Toyota lined up while Valencia will play host to Williams, McLaren, Renault, Sauber and Minardi.

In Barcelona Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer will be on duty while fellow tester Luciano Burti will be at Mugello in Italy according to a team spokesperson. Michael Schumacher is reportedly not expected to be testing until January. Jaguar new boys Mark Webber and Antonio Pizzonia get their first real test of the R3B, running a new Cosworth engine. BAR tester Anthony Davidson is set to try out new parts on a 2002 chassis while another new face, Chritiano da Matta, gets behind the wheel for Toyota.

At Valencia Williams are trying out Giorgio Pantano and Vitantonio Liuzzi as the team looks for a replacement for Pizzonia and regular tester Marc Gene will also be on duty. Renault will run an interim chassis with Jarno Trulli on driving duty and Minardi will be evaluating Franck Montagny and Sergei Zlobin.

Jordan will not test until January when the supply of Cosworth engines is delivered and the EJ13 is ready. Neither Jordan nor Minardi have announced a driver line-up for 2003 and the usual speculation is ongoing. Felipe Massa and Eddie Irvine have been linked with Jordan, Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson with Minardi.

There has been no news from Arrows since it announced a German based investor was in negotiations and a court case is due to be heard on December 9th to decide the future of the team. Reportedly Arrows has registered with the FIA for the 2003 championship but it has yet to secure an engine deal or confirm any drivers.