Day three of Bahrain test

F1 TESTING AT BIC DAY 3: FERRARI GOES FASTEST

Manama, 15th February 2006; Formula One testing at Bahrain International Circuit today saw the return of Michael Schumacher to the scene of his victory in the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. He was thwarted from completing more than six short runs, totaling 35 laps, however after technical problems beset his new Ferrari 248 F1 car. His team-mate Felipe Massa meanwhile went fastest in a restricted 3.0-litre V10 F2004 car.

Elsewhere the Honda pair of Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button continued to rack up the laps and remained the fastest 2.4-litre cars seen at the circuit. Swiss youngster Neel Jani meanwhile made his debut as a Scuderia Toro Rosso driver with the first of his test outings with the team.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport said: "With the new season under way in under one month here at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, we are finalizing our preparations and still need to test compounds and construction. It is far better to test at the venue of the first race rather than in Europe, particularly as it is so cold and last year's track temperatures were 50 degrees."

"I have spoken with local Bahrainis and they think that today's temperature - 35 degrees - is closer to what we will get this year, as the race is a month earlier. Possibly 40 degrees. Even more importantly the information we are building here means that we can also predict the tyre specifications for the second race in Malaysia and it is vital to have this information as early as possible."

As an extra bonus for the people of Bahrain and international visitors, F1 testing on Thursday 16 February will be open to the public. For an entry fee of just BD1 the sight and sound of the new 2.4-litre V8 Formula One cars can be experienced before the start of the new season - a unique and exclusive opportunity at the home of motorsport in the Middle East.

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