Jerez test - day two: September 14.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello led the way at Jerez on Thursday, as F1 testing at the Spanish venue moved into its second day.

The Brazilian, completed 81 laps in his RA106, his best time a 1 minute 17.602 seconds, around fourth tenths off the quickest time set on Wednesday by Heikki Kovalainen [a 1m 17.236s].

Like on day one, Barrichello was once again focusing on preparations for the final three races of the season in China, Japan and Brazil. He was joined on track by James Rossiter, who took over from Anthony Davidson. Rossiter managed 93 laps in the sister car - his best a 1m 18.215s, which put him fourth on the timesheets.

Renault meanwhile came in second and third, despite some mechanical issues, with Giancarlo Fisichella ahead of RDD driver, Jose Maria Lopez. Fisichella joined the team in Spain this morning replacing Fernando Alonso, who was initially down to run. The Italian worked on tyre testing with Michelin, making tyre selections for China, but his programme was delayed owing to technical problems. Nevertheless though, he collected 'interesting data' which will need to be verified on Friday, the last day of testing in Jerez.

Lopez stayed on in the second car as Heikki Kovalainen was unwell. He concentrated on software development and set-up changes and despite only competing a small amount of laps, he was third quickest, around three tenths off Fisi. Kovalainen is expected to fit enough to drive again on Friday.

"We must admit that this was a tough day for the team because of mechanical problems with the cars," reflected Renault's chief test engineer, Christian Silk. "But the data we did manage to collect is interesting and will need to be completed tomorrow. The team did today a great job to optimize the running time as much as possible and that is a positive point."

Red Bull Racing were the only other team on track - reserve driver, Robert Doornbos once again fifth fastest, although he improved his best time from a 1m 19.527s lap on day 1 to a 1m 18.314s lap today. Scuderia Toro Rosso driver, Vitantonio Liuzzi was also on track in the sister car, three tenths slower.

Ferrari meanwhile were in action too, however they were not running at Jerez. They were testing on two fronts, with Michael Schumacher running at Paul Ricard and Felipe Massa at Fiorano.

Testing now continues on Friday.

Leading times (September 14) - Jerez:

1. Rubens Barrichello Honda-Honda 1min 17.602secs 81 laps
2. Giancarlo Fisichella Renault-Renault 1min 17.701secs 70 laps
3. Jose Maria Lopez Renault-Renault 1min 18.071secs 20 laps
4. James Rossiter Honda-Honda 1min 18.215secs 93 laps
5. Robert Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari 1min 18.314secs 91 laps
6. Vitantonio Liuzzi Red Bull-Ferrari 1min 18.679secs 65 laps

all on Michelin tyres

Weather/Track conditions: Dry.

all times unofficial - courtesy of the official Circuito de Jerez website