Solid start for Frentzen, Sauber in Spain.

Team Sauber Petronas started its final four-day test ahead of the summer ban at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona today [Tuesday], with Heinz-Harald Frentzen conducted the first day's running and covering 90 laps.

The German gave the team a baseline to work from over the rest of the week, and will be replaced by team-mate Nick Heidfeld for the next two days, before recent recruit - and Renault V6 racer - Neel Jani completes the session on Friday. Frentzen set a best time of 1min 18.771secs in the course of 90 laps as he and the team worked on sorting the difficult C22 for Silverstone's British GP in two weeks' time.

"The test this week is aimed at preparing the car for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and also the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring in August," confirmed head of vehicle engineering Jacky Eeckelaert, "Today we were able to run the complete programme we had scheduled.

"We have tested some revised aerodynamic components in readiness for the Silverstone race, whereby the best suitable front wing configuration according to the applying downforce level has been chosen. In addition, we evaluated tyres on behalf of Bridgestone for Hockenheim, and decided upon the tyre construction.

"Tomorrow, we will conduct a race simulation of the 'C' specification version of the Petronas V10, which has more horsepower than the 'B' unit we are currently using. Apart from that further tyre tests for Hockenheim are planned."