BAR ends Barcelona test on top

Testing came to a close at the Circuit de Catalunya today with BAR's Jenson Button and Takuma Sato taking a one-two at the top of the times. Button set a best of 1:15.059, with Sato just a couple of tenths behind. The team's programme focused on aerodynamics and tyres, while test driver Anthony Davidson undertook wet tyre tests at Valencia.

Michael Schumacher was third fastest and Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello eighth, the pair concluding work on set up and tyres. Pedro de la Rosa was the quicker of the two McLarens on track, forth, and fellow team tester Alex Wurz was seventh on the time sheet. Mark Webber took over for Jaguar and was fifth quickest.

At Williams, Ralf Schumacher pulled out of the test after only five laps, due to back pain, and tester Marc Gené replaced him. He and Scott Dixon were sixth and ninth fastest, Gené completing a race simulation and Dixon working on set up for the San Marino Grand Prix.

Giancarlo Fisichella took over from Felipe Massa at Sauber and rounded off the days times. The Italian's schedule was tyres, brakes and aerodynamics, although the changeable weather conditions hampered some of the running. Testing resumes next week with teams utilizing the Paul Ricard facility in France, Vairano in Italy and Ferrari starts on Monday at Fiorano.