Wet weather hinders Day Three Jerez Test

Day three at Jerez would see the BMW WilliamsF1 team conducting further tests, but the team again had to contend with variable track conditions as wet weather still affected the circuit. As it was on the first two days Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gene were present.

With the temperature hovering around 13 to 15 degrees Celsius and with rainy patches during the day it was very difficult for the team to focus on any dry track testing. Rather it was a day where either wet or dry weather tyres were suitable.

Despite the difficulties the team was able to work through a test program involving tyre testing, system checks, development work on the traction control system. As for tyre testing the wet conditions would allow the team to spend time conducting test with Michelin's wet weather tyres.

At the finish of the day Ralf would complete sixty four laps, with a best lap time of 1m:28.067. Ralf would be the third fastest driver of the day. The best time of the day was set by Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer with a 1m:27.208.

Team test driver Marc Gené would continue his testing of the 2003 P83 BMW engine, mounted in a modified FW24. Marc would complete fifty five laps, with a best lap time of 1m:28.448.

WilliamsF1 Test team Manager Tim Newton, commented on the days testing by saying: “Today we continued the same routine as yesterday, tyre testing, systems work and traction control. The weather again was changeable providing both wet and dry conditions. The majority of day was given to wet tyre testing with Michelin. It was not a special day on the track, and we missed the best track conditions when both cars were in the garage before the weather changed again. However, the weather did provide us with a perfect track for wet testing.”

On Thursday the BMW WilliamsF1 Team will continue the test drives in Jerez.

As for the other teams Ferrari were joined by Renault F1, with Ferrari test drivers Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti taking first and second. The pair would set times of 1m:27.2 and 1m:27.7 respectively.

Renault F1 would commence their 2003 testing programme today, with Alonso and Trulli finishing fifth and sixth, after completing a total of thirty six laps.

Pos. Driver Car/Engine Time Laps

1. L Badoer Ferrari 1:27.208 25/75
2. L Burti Ferrari 1:27.720 23/27
3. R Schumacher WilliamsF1 BMW 1:28.067 23/64
4. M Gené WilliamsF1 BMW 1:28.448 47/55
5. F Alonso Renault 1:31.078 26/27
6. J Trulli Renault 1:33.505 8/9