Alesi thrilled as Prost claims lap record.

Jean Alesi was the talk of the Barcelona test yesterday, as Prost's new Ferrari-powered car set the fastest new-spec lap of the winter at the Circuit de Catalunya.

On its third day of work at the Spanish circuit, and its first with Alesi replacing less experienced team-mate Gaston Mazzacane, the Frenchman propelled the new AP04 to fastest time of the day and the fastest for cars under the new-for-2001 aerodynamic regulations.

The team had planned a tyre development programme for Michelin, as well as aiming to cover a race distance simulation, during the day and, by the close of play, Alesi had covered 95 laps in the AP04 without and undue problems. His best time, which proved to be almost a second clear of next man Giancarlo Fisichella, was recorded at 1min 18.967secs on a dry track. Williams, Jaguar and Arrows were also present at the test.

"I am extremely happy with the work we did today, and with this track record," the Frenchman smiled later, "For the first time, we can see the potential of the new car, and it is very encouraging for the team.

"Prost Grand Prix has put in place a strong structure, and secured two very important partnerships with Ferrari and Michelin. Today's times show that we are heading in the right direction, and that we might score some points right from the first races of the season. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is a very important first step for us."

Alesi's performance follows hot on the heels of similar showings from the Ferrari-powered Sauber duo of Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Raikkonen over the weekend, and the former Scuderia favourite will be back in action today [Wednesday] as Prost rounds out its latest test session.