Sarrazin tests as Prost visits Barcelona.

While its rivals tested at Fiorano and Valencia, the troubled Prost team opted for a private session at the Circuit de Catalunya to prepare for next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The team today [Friday] completed a three-day test at the Barcelona venue, with Nick Heidfeld running on the opening two days, before handing over to team test driver Stephane Sarrazin on the third. Both worked on different aerodynamic and mechanical set-ups for the Budapest circuit, and were able to complete the programme scheduled by the team without any particular problems.

Throughout the session, both drivers ran in race configuration, using the only car taken to the test by the team. Heidfeld completed 153 laps in total [84 on Wednesday and 69 on Thursday], and set a best time of 1min 23.15secs. Sarrazin drive 50 laps on his only day of running, with a best time of 1min 23.77secs, to leave the team satisfied with the new aerodynamic parts it had introduced.

The use of Sarrazin on day three served two purposes as, not only did it give Heidfeld a rest from his duties, but it also allowed the young Frenchman the chance to re-acquaint himself with the AP03 in case he is called upon to replace the injured Jean Alesi in Hungary. Alesi is still recovering from the after effects of his shunt in Germany, and continues to complain of stomach pains that may rule him out of next weekend's action.

Leading performances (2-4 august):

Nick Heidfeld Prost-Peugeot 1min 23.15secs 153 laps
Stephane Sarrazin Prost-Peugeot 1min 23.77secs 50 laps