Monday January 21st, 2002

McLaren's David Coulthard was the quickest man at the Barcelona circuit on Monday, when a massive 14-day testing session was kicked off with three drivers on track.

The Scot, at the wheel of the new MP4-17 which was unveiled last Saturday at the Spanish circuit, set a fastest time of 1:19.399 after 60 laps. The new car suffered a mechanical problem during the morning session and had to be assisted in order to return to the pits after Coulthard went off the track.

"We are working through a disciplined programme to develop the new car and have been trying different set-ups," said Coulthard. "I already feel that the new car is better in a lot of areas than the old car and we are all very positive. We will continue our development programme during the next couple of weeks."

German Nick Heidfeld was second quickest at the wheel of the new Sauber C21, which had already made his track debut at the Fiorano circuit last week. The Swiss car, which completed 52 laps today, was running with last year's Ferrari 050 engine and Bridgestone tyres.

"This is the second day of testing in the new car," said Heidfeld. "I have already driven it in Fiorano. I was happy in Fiorano, there were no problems with the car. Here again I am very happy, there were no problems and the lap time is not so bad."

McLaren's test driver Alexander Wurz, who was the man in charge of driving the new McLaren MP4-17 last week at Silverstone for the first time, was slowest today with an hybrid 2001-spec chassis.

Testing at Barcelona continues on Tuesday.

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time     Laps
 1.  Coulthard     McLaren-Mercedes    (M)    1:19.399  60
 2.  Heidfeld      Sauber-Petronas     (B)    1:19.585  52
 3.  Wurz          McLaren-Mercedes    (M)    1:19.682  38
  
All Timing Unofficial

Published at 16:50:52 GMT