Wednesday September 18th, 2002

McLaren's test driver Alexander Wurz set a blistering pace on the second day of testing at the Barcelona circuit, where four Formula One teams are carrying out their preparations for the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.

The Austrian driver posted a quickest time of 1:16.938 after 88 laps, a time that was over half a second slower than the circuit's official record (1:16.364), set by World Champion Michael Schumacher during this year's qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. Wurz's time, however, was the fastest time set during testing at the Spanish circuit.

Wurz was nearly a whole second faster than Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, who today finished his work with the Williams team before he starts testing with the Jaguar squad tomorrow. Pizzonia covered a total of 90 laps, the most by any driver during today's session.

Briton Darren Turner was third quickest with the second McLaren, while Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa returned to action today following the Italian Grand Prix. The Spaniard was the only Jaguar driver on track, as teammate Eddie Irvine had to travel to the United States for promotional work ahead of the race there.

Spaniard Marc Gene, who today announced he will continue to be Williams's test driver in 2003, was fifth quickest ahead of the only Bridgestone-shod car on tack today, driven by Briton Anthony Davidson. The British American Racing driver, who joined the test today, finished nearly five seconds off Wurz's pace.

Testing will resume tomorrow.

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time     Laps
 1.  Wurz          McLaren-Mercedes    (M)    1:16.938  88
 2.  Pizzonia      Williams-BMW        (M)    1:17.747  90
 3.  Turner        McLaren-Mercedes    (M)    1:18.586  72
 4.  De la Rosa    Jaguar              (M)    1:18.830  83
 5.  Gene          Williams-BMW        (M)    1:19.722  40
 6.  Davidson      BAR-Honda           (B)    1:21.497  48
  
All Timing Unofficial