Silverstone/Barcelona testing 2002-09-19

This week's split-location testing session continued at Silverstone and Barcelona today, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen and David Coulthard setting the fastest times. Three teams were present in the UK and four in Spain, while Ferrari continued at Mugello and Fiorano.

Frentzen set the best time at Silverstone on his first day in the Sauber C21, a 1:21.648 over 71 laps. Right at the end of the day he crashed heavily at Stowe corner and was sent to the medical centre. He appears to be mostly unscathed but further checks will be carried out.

Giancarlo Fisichella was second fastest for Jordan, followed by the Renault duo of Fernando Alonso and Oliver Gavin. Jenson Button skipped the day after feeling unwell yesterday. Alonso worked on tyres in preparation for the last race at Suzuka and completed a race distance in the afternoon. Gavin worked on electronic development for next year.

In Barcelona McLaren continued to top the times with David Coulthard taking over from tester Alex Wurz. Darren Turner remained on track for the Woking squad, second quickest and seven tenths behind Coulthard. Jacques Villeneuve was third for BAR followed by the Williams pair of Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gene. They worked on Michelin tyres and set-up for the US GP.

Jaguar's Pedro de la Rosa was sixth but suffered a blown engine after only sixteen laps. This caused Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia a bit of a wait while the mechanics repaired the car ready for his first run in a Jaguar. He rounded off the times, just under two seconds off his time in the Williams yesterday.