Davidson fastest at Valencia

The test drivers continued in force at Valencia today, where conditions were changeable. An initially damp track gave way to clearer weather by lunchtime but rain closed in during the afternoon. BAR's Anthony Davidson set the best time of the eight cars on track, 1:11.949, conducting suspension and tyre tests in the '04 concept car.

Rubens Barrichello was the sole race driver present, the Brazilian behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2004 and second quickest. The team also had Luca Badoer on duty in the F2003-GA. The weather curtailed Ferrari's running and Badoer was seventh on the time sheet. The pair are scheduled to continue tomorrow.

Marc Gene was third quickest for Williams and completed the most laps of the day, 88. The Spaniard worked on aerodynamics and mechanical set up. Toyota had two cars at work, Ricardo Zonta the faster of the test driver duo in fourth and Ryan Briscoe sixth.

Franck Montagny took the wheel for Renault, driving the R23 chassis, and was fifth fastest. The Frenchman worked on wet tyres, power steering developments and software. McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa, who topped the times yesterday, was at the bottom today, although his laps were set in the wet.