17/09/2004
NEWS STORY
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On the third and final day of testing at Silverstone, weather conditions were much improved, with no rain and temperatures reaching 21 degrees.
The top three were covered by a mere 0.036s, and after a low-key return on Wednesday, 1997 world champion was back on the pace, posting the third fastest time of the day.
Quickest was BAR's Takuma Sato, who was joined by Anthony Davidson and former Arrows driver Enrique Bernoldi.
The Japanese driver spent the morning concentrating on aerodynamic solutions before switching to tyre testing the afternoon. Davidson ran in the morning, finishing his schedule earlier than anticipated. The Englishman then handed his car over to Bernoldi who ran a few laps as he familiarised himself with the car. However, a gearbox problem meant he got less track time than anticipated.
"It was a good feeling to be back behind the wheel of a Formula One car," he said. "I felt comfortable in the car and it will be a valuable experience for the Jerez test in a couple of weeks when I will have the chance to get into the actual programme more."
Kimi Raikkonen was second quickest, posting a best time just 0.012s off Sato's. The Finn spent most of his day tyre testing, completing the most laps (94). Pedro de la Rosa was also on duty for the Woking outfit.
After a day spent familiarising himself with the R24, Jacques Villeneuve was well on the pace 24 hours later. The Canadian completed 66 laps, posting a best time just 0.036s shy of Sato's best.
During the morning he focused on optimising his driving position in the car, but subsequent work focused on initial set-up changes as he began learning more about the R24. Franck Montagny conducted tyre development ahead of the final three flyaway races.
Although Renault has yet to officially announce whether Jacques will race in China next week, today's performance will have almost guaranteed that he will.
Today was another step forward as I continued learning about the car," said the former world champion. "This morning was quite difficult as I was still moving about in my seat, and therefore could not feel the car's handling as well as I needed to, but we solved the problem.
"We made some initial set-up changes this afternoon and things looked positive, I was able to attack in the car and I am pleased with the time we set. The team has given me a great welcome this week, and I am very pleased with how the last two days have gone."
Ralf Schumacher concentrated on set-up work, in addition to tyre testing, he also carried out a number of practice starts. While WilliamsF1 teammate Marc Gene ran a race simulation, however this was cut short by an engine failure.
Having split with Renault on Wednesday, Jarno Trulli was back behind the wheel of an F1 car a day later, albeit a Toyota. The Italian completed 83 laps, finishing sixth quickest.
"It's still too early to judge the car," said the Italian. "I've found some very good, positive aspects to the package, while there are parts which can still be improved. But I think everyone in the team knows the problems which require work."
Trulli was joined by Ryan Briscoe who completed 84 laps on his way to posting the tenth fastest time.