Ferrari will run a new 047D engine spec at the Suzuka qualifying session next week. The new engine version is said to produce over 800bhp, some 20 bhp more than the last version which is record breaking for a 3 litre normally-aspirated engine. The engine was subjected to a series of tests. Afterwards, a Ferrari spokesman said the results were good and the engine proved reliable during its initial trial. However, the team remains cautious with regards to the advantage it may or may not lend Michael Schumacher in the final race of the season.

Meanwhile, Ferrari continued testing today with Eddie Irvine running the F300 at Mugello and Schumacher at Fiorano. Irvine's session began at 09:00. He performed testing and worked on the set-up. In the afternoon, he did several practice starts. The Sauber-Petronas team were again present at the test which ended at 18:30. Overall, Irvine ran 80 laps with a best time of 1:27.427; Jean Alesi ran only 16 laps with a best time of 1:29.000.

For Schumacher, testing began at 10:30. During the morning session, he shook down the three cars which will be used in the Japanese Grand Prix. Completed were a total of 31 laps with a best time of 1:00.968. In the afternoon, he did some component testing with the test car (chassis 183) driving 37 timed laps with a fastest time of 1:01.265. Testing ended at 19:00.

Tomorrow, Thursday 22nd October, testing will continue with Eddie Irvine at Fiorano.