Friday February 11th, 2000

By Michele Lupini, South Africa

Ricardo Zonta took his turn in the solo BAR Honda at the Kyalami circuit today, turning in the best time of 1:25.770 during 77 laps, while teammate Jacques Villeneuve takes a day or two off in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher made the best of drying conditions , setting his fastest lap of the day at 1:26.443 during 52 laps in the BMW Williams. Also taking advantage the best of the circuit so far this week as it dried after even more intermittent rain at midday, was Jenson Button, circulating in 1:26.665 in the second Williams. He completed 47 laps.

There was a small drama to report today, when Zonta overshot his pit during a simulated stop when his car suffered a 'systems problem', sending the BAR team reeling for cover, leaving two mechanics with heavy bruising to their legs and feet.

After almost a solid week’s rain in Johannesburg this week, at a time of the year usually remembered for sunny South African conditions, it was crystal clear for the first time on Friday evening, auguring well for constructive testing over the weekend.

Most of South Africa’s interior has experienced excessive rainfall and flooding for most of the week, with Johannesburg having its highest February rainfall in 53 years. None the less, both Williams and BAR have completed a significant amount of laps, despite losing two whole days due to excessive rain.

Even more tenacious have been the scores of South African fans who have braved the often cold, wet conditions to experience F1. Grand prix crazy South Africa is holding thumbs for a race soon, and the exciting news of Tomas Scheckter’s F1 test deal with Jaguar Racing has even further caught the imagination of a nation fanatical about grand prix racing

A large crowd is expected at Kyalami over the weekend.

Williams will return home on Tuesday, but BAR will now remain at Kyalami until Wednesday

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team          Time      Laps
 1.  Zonta         BAR-Honda     1:25.770   77 
 2.  R.Schumacher  Williams-BMW  1:26.443   52 
 3.  Button        Williams-BMW  1:26.665   47 

Kyalami's best time in 1999: 1:20.993 (R. Schumacher, Williams-Supertec)