Busy test schedules continue

The week's busy testing schedules continued on four circuits today and at Barcelona it was again McLaren that monopolized the top of the times. Continuing with three cars, the team had David Coulthard taking the top slot with a 1:16.366 ahead of Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn was just six hundredths behind and test driver Alex Wurz was third fastest.

Toyota's programme was again run by Cristiano da Matta, who ended his test fourth quickest over 104 laps. The Brazilian evaluated a new engine specification and ran tyre tests. Franck Montagny wound up Renault's two day test working on tyre and chassis development and was fifth on the time sheet.

Michael Schumacher remained at the top of the times at Jerez, the German's best a 1:18.456. Schumacher continued with set up and tyre work. Nick Heidfeld was second quickest, Sauber focusing on aerodynamics and downforce assessment as well as tyres. Heinz-Harald Frentzen takes over tomorrow.

BAR had two cars on track at Jerez, Jenson Button third fastest and test driver Takuma Sato fifth, working on set up and tyres. Button also evaluated a new spec Honda engine. In between was them was Toyota's Ricardo Zonta. The Brazilian tester continued with long-term development work.

Ferrari also had test driver Felipe Massa on duty again at Monza. His best time of the day was a 1:21.816, working on development for the US Grand Prix. Luca Badoer will take over from Massa when work moves to Fiorano.

Williams continued at Silverstone and Juan Pablo Montoya again had the better of Marc Gené; a 1:19.966 for the Colombian with Gené eight tenths behind. "Juan Pablo and Marc continued the testing programme today at Silverstone in preparation for Indianapolis and Suzuka," said test team manager Tim Newton.

"Juan completed 43 laps and spent the session concentrating on fine tuning the suspension as well as conducting some brake evaluation work. Marc successfully completed 600 kilometres, which included a race simulation. Both drivers also undertook tyre testing duties for Michelin."

Williams was joined by Jordan's Ralf Firman, the Briton back behind the wheel for the first time since his crash in Hungary. Unfortunately for Firman, he only had 26 laps before his car came to a halt on track.