F1: Montagny tops Barcelona test

By Nikki Reynolds, F1 Editor - Motorsport.com

Renault's new test driver Franck Montagny topped the times at Barcelona's
Circuit de Catalunya as testing resumed today. Montagny was the best of the
eight drivers on track and clocked a fastest of 1:16.336. The team also
tried out Argentinean José-Maria Lopez, who had 60 laps before an engine
failure curtailed his running and was eighth. Montagny's programme focused
on tyres and testing new constructions. 

David Coulthard was second fastest in the McLaren MP4-19 and team test
driver Alex Wurz was fourth in the MP4-17D. Jaguar also had two cars on
track; Mark Webber set the third best time of the day while newly signed
Christian Klien was seventh. Toyota had both test drivers present, Ricardo
Zonta and Ryan Briscoe fifth and sixth respectively.

At Valencia, Williams had the track to itself. Ralf Schumacher and tester
Marc Gené were joined by Nelson Piquet Junior in his first test for the
team. Another son of a former champion, Nico Rosberg will be behind the
wheel for Williams tomorrow. Ralf Schumacher was fastest of the trio with a
1:17.4523 -- an unofficial lap record. 

Work concentrated on preparations for the FW26, including set up, tyres,
engine and gearbox. It was an eventful day; Ralf spun off into the gravel
and Piquet lost it under braking to have a similar incident but no damage
was done. Gené's car came to a halt on track with an unspecified problem. 

Jordan is expected at Jerez tomorrow, with Nick Heidfeld and Jaroslav Janis.
BAR is also due to join the test with Jenson Button, and Ferrari with its
three test drivers. 


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