By Ferrari Press Office
February 24 2005

Michael Schumacher restored the natural order today as he claimed the fastest time at The Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Schumacher, who is the rain master showed that when equiped with the best wet weather tyres on the grid, he is untouchable.

Circuit: "Ricardo Tormo" circuit, 4.005 km, short course 3.110 km
Drivers: Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello
Car: F2004 M
Weather: air temperature 6 °C, track temperature 7/9 °C. Cloudy then rain.

Third and final day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, working again today at the Valencia circuit, with both its race drivers.

On a day characterised by adverse weather conditions and a constantly wet track, the programme saw both drivers work on rain tyre development. The final outcome: the world champion, at the wheel of an F2004 M, completed a total of 60 laps, seven on the short version of the track, with a best time of 1'21"763. Barrichello did 14, five of them short, the quickest in 1'23"642.

1. M. Schumacher - Ferrari F2004M - 1'21.763 - 60 laps
2. R. Barrichello - Ferrari F2004M - 1'23.642 - 14 laps
3. P. de la Rosa - McLaren Mercedes MP4/19B - 1'24.309 - 18 laps
4. N. Heidfeld - BMW Williams FW27 - 1'26.582 - 61 laps

Times courtesy of The Ricardo Tormo Circuit.


Ferrari Press Office
23 Feb 2005