Barrichello fastest Barcelona day three

Rubens Barrichello took over the top of the test times at the Circuit de Catalunya, where 14 drivers were on track for the busy session. In the Ferrari F2003-GA, Barrichello set a best of 1:17.803 over 102 laps, working on aerodynamics and Bridgestone tyres.

Williams test driver Marc Gene was second fastest, followed by Ralf Schumacher. "We completed our penultimate test day today at the Circuit de Catalunya under clear and sunny skies," said test team manager Tim Newton. Ralf spent the day evaluating set up options as well as perfoming some tyre testing for Michelin."

"Marc successfully completed a race distance this morning whilst spending the afternoon on further set up work of the FW25. In total, the drivers covered over 1000 kilometres between them today which has provided us with some invaluable information prior to the race at Silverstone next weekend."

Fourth on the time sheet was Jordan's Ralph Firman, who completed the team's tyre and set up programme, despite minor problems hampering his day. Fifth was Toyota's Olivier Panis, working on tyres and set up and later on aerodynamics with new front and rear wings.

McLaren had both drivers on track; Kimi Raikkonen suffered a blown engine in the MP4-17, but was sixth, and David Coulthard in the MP4-18 was at the bottom of the times. Test driver Alex Wurz was also present but only completed a few laps in an MP4-18 chassis. Jaguar's Mark Webber was seventh and test driver Takuma Sato the best of the three BARs on track. Jenson Button set the tenth time and Jacques Villeneuve was twelfth.

Nick Heidfeld continued Sauber's week testing new front suspension and wings, and also Bridgestone tyres. Young Swiss driver Neel Jani takes over tomorrow for his second proper test for the team after straight line tests at Vairano the last two days. Allan McNish was eleventh for Renault and suffered engine problems that cut short his day but still managed 99 laps.