Michael takes lap record at Imola

The latest in a long line of lap records this winter was set by Michael Schumacher at Imola today, the current champion clocking a best of 1:19.664. Schumacher continued with development of the Ferrari F2004 and teammate Rubens Barrichello, fourth fastest, worked on tyres in the F2003-GA.

David Coulthard was second on the time sheet, wrapping up McLaren's final pre-season test, over a second off Schumacher's best. The team also had test driver Pedro de la Rosa on track at Silverstone this morning, the Spaniard doing shakedowns for different chassis for a few laps each.

Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya took over from Ralf Schumacher at Imola and was third fastest. The Colombian worked on set up and traction control and although circuit conditions improved after an icy morning, a wet afternoon compromised the afternoon tyre tests. Ralf, meanwhile, was busy at Monza running the BMW M3 GTR, the car used for 24 hour races at Nurburgring and Spa.

Toyota was the third team present, race drivers Crisitiano da Matta and Olivier Panis fifth and sixth respectively. Da Matta had a minor spin in the afternoon but no real damage was done. Toyota, Ferrari and Williams continue at Imola tomorrow.

Aside from the McLaren of de la Rosa, Jordan had Nick Heidfeld and Giorgio Pantono present at Silverstone. BAR's Jenson Button ran the '04 concept car and team test driver Anthony Davidson shook down the 006. Button set the best time of the day, 1:20.297.