Wednesday September 18th, 2002

German Nick Heidfeld set the quickest time at the Silverstone circuit on the second day of testing at the British track.

Sauber driver Heidfeld today took over from Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa, and finished the session more than two seconds ahead of Italian Giancarlo Fisichella with the Jordan. Heidfeld concentrated on aerodynamic work and was the busiest man on track with 70 laps.

"Once again our key focus today was to try a number of different aerodynamic configurations in the low to medium downforce range, confirming Felipe's work from yesterday prior to the US Grand Prix," said chief engineer Jacky Eeckelaert.

"The Indianapolis track is a compromise demanding low downforce for high speed on the straight but greater downforce for the tight infield. We progressed well today, and we were also able to carry out a tyre test programme for Bridgestone."

The Renault team were again in action today, the French squad experiencing a disrupted session as Briton Jenson Button was feeling unwell and was forced to leave the test early. Button was replaced by former British F3 champion Oliver Gavin, who completed a programme of software development.

The Briton, who had already tested for Benetton last season, posted the slowest time of the day, behind Button and Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who conducted a wheel comparison during the morning before spending the afternoon evaluating engine modifications. Gavin will continue working alongside Alonso tomorrow.

"A strange, slightly disrupted day," said technical director Mika Gascoyne. "Oliver worked well today and will continue in the car tomorrow so that Jenson can recover fully before leaving for the US."

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time     Laps
 1.  Heidfeld      Sauber-Petronas     (B)    1:21.425  70
 2.  Fisichella    Jordan-Honda        (B)    1:23.502  69
 3.  Alonso        Renault             (M)    1:23.688  47
 4.  Button        Renault             (M)    1:23.944  20
 5.  Gavin         Renault             (M)    1:26.270  22

All Timing Unofficial