Teams use Silverstone test for aerodynamic development

Weather conditions were warm and sunny on the second day of testing at Silverstone circuit in England. There was a brief hailstorm and a few minor showers but the heat allowed the track to dry very quickly and so it was dry for most of the day. The teams used the good conditions for aerodynamic development and tyre tests. There was a greater sence of secrecy along the pitlane compared to usual tests as many teams had screens in front of their garages and the mechanics were deliberately vague when describing their plans for the day or progress so far.

Alan McNish and Mika Salo took over testing duties at Toyota, and James Courtney replaced Andre Lotterer at Jaguar. Jenson Button joined Jarno Trulli at Renault. Some teams made a change in the driver line-up midway through the day as Eddie Irvine was replaced by Pedro de la Rosa at Jaguar and Giancarlo Fisichella was replaced by Takuma Sato at Jordan.

The fastest driver of the day was Rubens Barrichello for Ferrari who completed a total of 45 laps in short runs spread throughout the day. He made a couple of minor mistakes but, like Badoer yesterday, just calmly backed off and collected the car before continuing unaffected. Second was Kimi Raikkonen for McLaren who completed a Grand Prix distance and third was team-mate David Coulthard.

Mika Salo was delayed as he waited for the chasis damaged by Stephane Sarrazin yesterday to be repaired. When he did come out the afternoon session was affected by brief showers and so he was unable to complete much of his programme.

James Courtney tested for Jaguar as part of their young driver assesment programme. Andre Lotterer ran yesterday and Fernando Alonso will make a guest appearance for the team tomorrow. Courtney was extremely cautious when the track was damp and ultimately set the slowest time of the day, but he looked strong on the drier parts of the circuit and was running at a similar pace to Montoya mid-afternoon.

Several drivers suffered incidents and problems during the session but fortunately there was no major damage or injury. James Courtney suffered a broken rear wing element and spun into the gravel at Brooklands. Montoya had a fustrating day and spun off the track twice. Enrique Bernoldi managed a quick spin at Abbey chicane but continued without a problem. Patrick Lemarie's Honda engine cut out early in the morning, and soon afterwards Allan McNish coasted to a halt in the pitlane.

Fellipe Massa had a huge spin at the exit of Copse, at a point where the cars are usually doing at least 130mph. On his last flying lap before lunch he ran wide onto the grass and spun round backwards. The car then continued for about 200 metres before coming to a rest on the track. Massa quickly escaped from the vehicle until the session was stopped, as he was on the racing line, and then climbed back in to be towed back to the garage.

Testing continues tomorrow.