Silverstone/fiorano Tests - Day One: 3 August 1999

Fresh from last weekend's race at Hockenheim, the majority of teams returned to the grind of testing yesterday [Tuesday].


Ferrari, as usual, chose to return to its private circuit at Fiorano to prepare for the forthcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, running with new signing Mika Salo. The Finn is scheduled to complete two of the three days testing, with German race winner Eddie Irvine taking over from him later in the week. Salo will then return to shake down the race cars at the weekend. Ferrari number one Michael Schumacher is rumoured to be joining the team on the weekend, but has played down his chances of actually driving the car.


Prost and Sauber are also in Italy, running at Mugello, but no times are being posted from the test.


Meanwhile, at Silverstone, McLaren, Jordan and Stewart ran on the opening day of a three-day test, with further teams expected to join them from today [Wednesday].


David Coulthard was quickest for the Woking team, ahead of Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Nick Heidfeld and Luciano Burti.


Leading performances (3 August):


Silverstone:


David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1min 27.082secs

Heinz-Harald Frentzen Jordan-Mugen 1min 27.864secs

Nick Heidfeld McLaren-Mercedes 1min 28.876secs

Luciano Burti Stewart-Ford 1min 28.960secs


Fiorano:


Mika Salo Ferrari-Ferrari 1min 03.055secs