Tuesday March 5th, 2002

The Williams and Renault teams kicked off on Tuesday a three-day testing session at the Silverstone circuit, just two days after competing at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Spaniards Marc Gene and Fernando Alonso were in action for Williams and Renault respectively, with the former being the quickest of the two at the wheel of the BMW-powered car.

Alonso, who drove last year's B201 chassis, was more than two seconds slower than his compatriot, but the French squad were still pleased with their day's work.

"Overall, the team had a successful day, with Fernando conducting systems and tyre testing as well as continuing his integration into the team," said Renault's technical director Mike Gascoyne.

Testing at Silverstone continues on Wednesday.

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time     Laps
 1.  Gene          Williams-BMW        (M)    1:23.261  50
 2.  Alonso        Renault             (M)    1:25.922  41

All Timing Unofficial