09/03/2005
NEWS STORY
Ferrari's Marc Gene was the pace setter on the second day of testing at the Spanish circuit, the Italian team joined today by McLaren and BAR.
Driving an F2004 M, Marc worked on Bridgestone tyre development for the forthcoming Malaysian Grand Prix. Gene was the only one of the four drivers on duty to improve on his previous best time.
The Spaniard continues testing tomorrow, when he will be joined by Luca Badoer, who will drive the F2005.
Second quickest was Alexander Wurz in the McLaren MP4-19B. In the afternoon, the Austrian, who was focussing on tyre evaluations, suffered a technical problem (engine), which prevented him from running. The team's third driver had managed to complete one long run in the morning before the failure.
"We had a productive session this morning, completing our programme of short runs," said Alex, "but unfortunately an engine failure ended our programme prematurely."
BAR had two drivers on duty, Enrique Bernoldi in the 'hybrid' car - still running in its raw carbon fibre, while Anthony Davidson drove the 007. The Englishman concentrated on aerodynamic solutions for the front of the 007.
Toyota was due to begin testing today but opted to postpone until tomorrow (Thursday), when Renault and WilliamsF1 will be in action.
The new testing agreement between the nine 'rebel' teams has now kicked in, and consequently both McLaren and BAR have now used one out of the thirty days allowed.