Barcelona/Silverstone testing 2002-09-18

Testing continued on two fronts today; BAR and Jaguar joined McLaren and Williams at Barcelona while Sauber's Nick Heidfeld and Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella took to the Silverstone circuit. Renault also continued at Silverstone, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso accompanied by Oliver Gavin as part of the team's young driver programme.

Alex Wurz again topped the Barcelona times, the McLaren test driver posting a fastest of 1:16.938 over 88 laps. Darren Turner was third quickest, one and a half seconds slower than Wurz. Antonio Pizzonia and Marc Gene were on duty for Williams, second and fifth fastest respectively. Pizzonia was acclimatizing to the circuit before testing a Jaguar tomorrow while Gene worked on BMW engine development but suffered technical problems.

"During the second day at Barcelona with Antonio and Marc, we worked on suspension components, tyre testing for Michelin and some engine work," said test team manager Tim Newton. "Progress was hampered to a small degree by a number of technical problems".

Jaguar's Pedro de la Rosa also had technical gremlins and was fourth quickest, working on tyre evaluation and set-up. The Spaniard was followed by BAR tester Anthony Davidson.

At Silverstone, Heidfeld topped the times with a 1:21.425 and completed 70 laps. Heidfeld concentrated on aerodynamics, running a low downforce set-up in preparation for the US Grand Prix and also Bridgestone tyre work.

Fisichella was second fastest with Alonso and Button third and fourth. Renault continued work on set-up for the USGP along with a Michelin tyre programme and developmental parts. Oliver Gavin took over from Button -- who was taken ill -- in the afternoon for his first try behind the wheel of the R202. Gavin is a former British F3 champion and tested for Benetton in 2000 and 2001.

Meanwhile, Ferrari continued at Mugello with Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti and were joined by Minardi who tested Russian Sergey Zlobin.