Testing resumes this week

After the winter break since Suzuka, testing resumes this week with two Spanish circuits scheduled to see the most track action. Valencia and Barcelona are open for the first three or four-day test and Williams will have Ralf Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and team test driver Marc Gen? on duty at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit from tomorrow.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen is confident the tests will be rewarding. "The BMW P84 engine has already passed its first successful tests," he said. "WilliamsF1 has announced an innovative chassis and the integration of the factories in Munich and Grove is progressing."

Other teams expected at Valencia are McLaren, Renault, Toyota and Jaguar, all the Michelin runners. McLaren will test the new MP4-19, although Kimi Raikkonen is not certain to take part in the programme due to recovering from minor surgery on his wrist. David Coulthard will be the first to drive the new car.

Jaguar is due to try out Cristian Klien and Townsend Bell, while Mark Webber and Justin Wilson will also be behind the wheel. Toyota will be running a parallel programme at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

Of the Bridgestone teams, Ferrari, Sauber and BAR are expected at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. Giancarlo Fisichella will be behind the wheel of the Sauber for the first time and BAR will have Jenson Button and Takuma Sato present. Button will try out the BAR '04 Concept car to evaluate new technology.

Minardi and Jordan's plans are uncertain -- both teams have yet to confirm a driver line up. Minardi is reportedly working on signing 2003 tester Gianmaria Bruni while Jordan, although planning to test F3000 driver Jaroslav Janis in early December, is not in any hurry to fill its seats.

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