Kyalami Test - Day Seven: 14 February.

Ricardo Zonta topped the times for a second successive day in South Africa, as the rains returned to frustrate British American Racing and Williams one more time.


The Brazilian again lowered the benchmark for the week-long session, and out-paced Williams pairing Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button for the third day in seven. Zonta's best effort remained some way off that set by Schumacher at last season's corresponding test, but the new 002-Honda again ran almost faultlessly, completing 70 laps in all.


Schumacher took second overall, just one-tenth off the Brazilian, and completed a race distance in the process. Button, too, ran a longer test, partly to build up his seat time, and also to move him nearer to complying with yesterday's Superlicence request. The young Briton will be expected to complete 300km on successive days before being granted the necessary permit to race, but will now have to find time at the next European test as Williams decided to return to base overnight.


BAR is expected to remain in Africa until at least tomorrow [Wednesday], with Jacques Villeneuve scheduled to take over from Zonta.



Leading performances (14 February):


Ricardo Zonta BAR-Honda 1min 23.60secs 70 laps

Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW 1min 23.70secs 69 laps

Jenson Button Williams-BMW 1min 23.93secs 60 laps