Barrichello tops Monza test 2002-09-06

Rubens Barrichello set the fastest time of the day in the last session of a busy week's testing at Monza. Fourteen drivers were on track from nine teams and Barrichello posted a 1:23.056 over fifty laps. The Brazilian finished a Bridgestone tyre programme as well as running long distance tests.

Jaguar continued their good performance with Pedro de la Rosa second fastest and Eddie Irvine fourth. Both drivers worked on tyre compounds and general set-up. Third was Toyota's Allan McNish, he and Mika Salo also working on set-up for the Italian Grand Prix. Salo was fifth quickest although the team felt hampered by the poor weather conditions.

Sauber's Felipe Massa was sixth and worked on aerodynamics and brakes. Massa again wore the Head and Neck Support (HANS) device which Sauber plan for both drivers to wear in the next race. Head of vehicle engineering Jacky Eeckelaert was satisfied with the overall results of the week's test.

Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia set the seventh time of the day while Juan Pablo Montoya was tenth. Williams had four drivers working on various programmes throughout the week including set-up, electronics, suspension, gearbox and tyres.

BAR testers Anthony Davidson and Patrick Lemarie were eighth and fourteenth respectively. The sole McLaren of David Coulthard was ninth fastest while Minardi's Alex Yoong in twelfth split the two Renaults of Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button. Yoong worked on chassis and software evaluations and simulated qualifying runs in preparation for his return to racing after a two GP break.

Renault carried out Michelin tyre tests and aerodynamics but were frustrated by wet weather in the morning followed by two engine failures. Technical director Mike Gascoyne said it had been 'an extremely disappointing day'.