Thursday Valencia testing report

A warm but overcast day in Valencia saw an active day for testing. Eight teams with a total of 16 drivers took to the track; Nick Heidfield again set the pace in the Sauber C21, clocking a fastest of 1.12.404 -- over a second ahead of the rest of the field.

Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya was second fastest while Heidfeld's team mate Felipe Massa was third, despite having a heavy crash which ended his session. A problem with the front wing caused the accident but Massa was unharmed and Sauber continue to impress. Jacques Villeneuve was fourth for BAR in an improvement from earlier tests, while Ralf Schumacher and Antonio Pizzonia were fifth and sixth for Williams -- the team are reportedly dismayed to find themselves behind Sauber at this stage of develpment.

Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella set the seventh fastest time despite a major crash. The Italian lost the car in the turn two section and slammed into the barrier with some impact. However, he was unhurt although the car sustained heavy damage. Orange Arrows new signing Heinz Harald Frentzen was immediately on the pace in his first drive of the A23, after initial problems when he stalled on his opening lap. He completed 27 laps and set a creditable eigth fastest time. The two BARs of Olivier Panis and Anthony Davidson rounded up the top ten.

Renault tester Fernando Alonso finished ahead of Jarno Trulli and the Minardis again settled for bottom of the time sheet, Mark Webber ahead of Alex Yoong.