22/02/2005
NEWS STORY
After a disappointing build up to the season thus far, WilliamsF1 finally appears to have made a little progress, with Mark Webber topping the timesheets at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valencia Ricardo Tormo.
Then again, a cynic might take note of the fact that the FW27 is finally looking competitive on the same day that the Grove outfit is hosting a 'meet the media' event. Furthermore, Webber was the only driver on duty to improve on his previous best time of the year here.
The Australian ran a full Grand Prix weekend simulation, including a race distance, completing 154 laps in the process. His best lap of, 1:10.087, was almost a second quicker than another team enjoying an uninspiring build up to Melbourne, Toyota.
The sole white and red car was driven by Ralf Schumacher, who completed 64 laps in the TF 105.
Thirds quickest was Michael Schumacher, who was once again partnered by teammate Rubens Barrichello. the German, who caused a red flag period following a big spin at the second corner, completed 142 laps.
The day's programme was a repeat of yesterday with tyre testing and, for Schumacher, endurance running on the agenda.
Propping up the timesheets was Takuma Sato in a brand new 007. Although the Japanese driver had a trouble-free day, he finished 3.1s adrift of the benchmark time.
Weather: Once again, strong winds battered the circuit for much of the day, however temperatures rose to 13 degrees C.