Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gené concluded the BMW WilliamsF1 Team’s three day test programme at Valencia, yesterday as heavy rain restricted running on the final day.  As predicted, the last day of testing at Valencia was hampered by heavy rain and cool temperatures, though at least the treacherous conditions allowed drivers to run their wet tyres in ‘natural’ rain rather than on an artificially dampened track.

Both Ralf and Marc took full opportunity of the heavy rainfall to practice race starts, in addition to testing the WilliamsF1 BMW FW26’s traction control, for Melbourne has seen more than its fair share of cloudbursts over the years.

Conditions were such that drivers were seriously restricted with the amount of track-time they had. That said, both drivers completed 27 laps each, more than anyone else present. Ralf’s fastest lap was a 1:36.966, while Marc posted a 1:38.828.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1): “For the penultimate test before the start of the season, Juan, Ralf and Marc shared testing responsibilities. Over the three days, the drivers have worked through a lengthy programme in order to prepare the FW26 for its debut in Melbourne."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "Just before bad weather hampered the test programme on Friday, the BMW P84 engine successfully completed another race simulation. The engine specification used will be the one we have in Melbourne so we should be well prepared for the season's opener. Next week, we will spend the final, pre-season test in Imola fine tuning the P84."

Next week the BMW WilliamsF1 Team heads to Imola for another three day programme, the team’s final test before heading to Melbourne for the 2004 Formula One World Championship season opener. Times   POS. DRIVER TEAM TIME LAPS   1. R. Schumacher BMW WillamsF1 Team 1:36.966 12/27   2. M. Gené BMW WillamsF1 Team 1:38.828 21/27   3. R. Briscoe Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:41.939 4/5   4. R. Zonta Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:43.258 12/13