Sauber Petronas has completed a three-day test in Valencia with the new Sauber C21 with Nick Heidfeld setting the fastest time covering 71 laps. Felipe Massa was third quickest but ended his test with an accident after 23 laps, he was unharmed.

Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Today, Nick concentrated on a tyre program and the preparation of the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne. Felipe Massa focused on tyre testing but unfortunately, his work was interrupted when he had an accident at the end on the morning, on the main straight. The Team decided to send the car back to Hinwil for investigation and repair, so that it is ready for the next test in Mugello - Italy (February 16 - 18). Overall, this session has been a successful test where the Sauber Petronas C21 has shown itself to be reliable and very competitive."

Nick Heidfeld: "I have been quite happy with this test. The C21 has been running well every day. The car has a lot of grip. I am very much looking forward to the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia.

Felipe Massa: "Unfortunately, I had an unexpected problem with the front wing attachment to the nose. It caused a big accident. The car stood up to the impact and I am completely unharmed. In the circumstances, I'm happy with third fastest time".


Driver	Team	Tyres	Laps	Time	Speed/Gap
Nick Heidfeld	Sauber	B	71	1:12.413	123.745 mph
Juan Pablo Montoya	WilliamsF1	M	72	1:13.726	1.313
Felipe Massa	Sauber	B	21	1:14.224	1.811
Ralf Schumacher	WilliamsF1	M	59	1:14.628	2.215
Antonio Pizzonia	WilliamsF1	M	43	1:14.759	2.346
Jacques Villeneuve	BAR	B	54	1:14.880	2.467
Olivier Panis	BAR	B	27	1:14.888	2.475
Giancarlo Fisichella	Jordan	B	20	1:15.101	2.688
Heinz-Harald Frentzen	Arrows	B	25	1:15.140	2.727
Anthony Davidson	BAR	B	40	1:15.304	2.891
Takuma Sato	Jordan	B	56	1:15.372	2.959
Fernando Alonso	Renault	M	53	1:15.386	2.973
Jarno Trulli	Renault	M	47	1:15.687	3.274
Pedro de la Rosa	Jaguar	M	31	1:15.740	3.327
Mark Webber	Minardi	M	42	1:16.658	4.245
Alex Yoong	Minardi	M	78	1:18.658	6.245