McLaren continues to set testing pace

Silverstone was the focus for testing on June 2nd, where 14 drivers took to the track in better conditions than on Wednesday, which was a bit of a washout. McLaren, fastest yesterday, once again set the pace, this time with Kimi Raikkonen topping the times with a best of 1:18.144. Team tester Pedro de la Rosa was second, despite an engine failure in the morning, and the pair worked on set up and tyres for North America.

Kimi Raikkonen.

Photo by xpb.cc.

After not running yesterday due to poor weather, BAR's Jenson Button was third fastest and the team also had Takuma Sato on track, eighth overall. Fernando Alonso was the quicker of the two Renault drivers, fourth on the time sheet, with teammate Giancarlo Fisichella in sixth. Both worked on tyres after also not being on track yesterday.

David Coulthard was the lead Red Bull in fifth and teammate Christian Klien was 10th. Toyota only tested at Silverstone today, after working at Monza and not running at the British track on Wednesday because of the rain. Jarno Trulli was seventh overall and Ralf Schumacher was 11th.

Rubens Barrichello was the sole Ferrari present and clocked ninth fastest. He continued with the work started by team tester Luca Badoer yesterday of set up and tyres. Barrichello will be back on track tomorrow.

Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld were 12th and 13th respectively, working on tyres and aero parts for the next few races. Nico Rosberg, who was on track on Wednesday, will rejoin the test alongside Webber tomorrow.

"Both drivers did tyre tests for the race at Silverstone in July, testing the prime and option compounds," said Williams test team manager Tim Newton. "They also evaluated some aero parts for Montreal as well as testing brake and suspension set-up. We're looking forward to some more good weather tomorrow for our last day here."

Jordan's Tiago Monteiro rounded off the Silverstone times in 14th. At Monza only two drivers from two teams were on duty. Ferrari test driver Marc Gen? set the quicker time of the two, 1:21.536, focusing on tyres and aerodynamics. Sauber's Felipe Massa was half a second off and worked on aerodynamics, set up and tyres.