Ralf fastest at Jerez

It was a quieter end to the testing week at Jerez with only six drivers on track. Ralf Schumacher set the fastest time of the day in the Williams FW26, 1:16.907, with teammate Juan Pablo Montoya a few tenths behind in second. The thrid day of the team's five-day test saw Ralf working on mechanical set up on long runs, while Montoya, also in an FW26, evaluated aerodynamics and mechanical set up over short distances.

The McLaren test driver duo of Pedro de la Rosa and Alex Wurz were third and fourth fastest respectively. De la Rosa managed 93 laps in the MP4-19 but suffered an engine failure in the morning, continuing the troubled week the team has had. Wurz tried an adapted version of the MP4-19 but said there were some problems.

Rubens Barrichello rounded off Ferrari's Jerez week in fifth, completing the tyre programme in the F2003-GA. Michael Schumacher also finished his test at Mugello, covering 92 laps and setting a best time of 1:18.902. Michael continues with the F2004 at Mugello next week.

Nick Heidfeld wrapped up Jordan's test with the final slot on the time sheet. Tyres were the focus of the day, along with chassis development. New signing Giorgio Pantano will join Heidfeld at Imola next week, where Jordan will test two new EJ14s for the first time.

Work continues at Jerez tomorrow, when an artificially watered track will give Williams the opportunity for wet tyre testing.