Thursday April 5th, 2001

Benetton driver Giancarlo Fisichella set the fastest time for the second consecutive day at Jerez, where the three-day session ended on Thursday.

Fisichella, driving the Michelin-shod B201, was nearly one second quicker than Eddie Irvine at the wheel of the Jaguar R2. The Irishman, who concentrated again on developing the new electronics systems which will be introduced at this year's Spanish Grand Prix, also tested different Michelin compounds.

Brazilian Luciano Burti was third quickest with the second Jaguar after 36 laps, while Briton Jenson Button was slowest once again. The 20-year old endured another problematic session and saw running cut short after his car stopped on track due to a mechanical failure.

Button completed the least number of laps today, 24, and was nearly 2.5 seconds slower than teammate Fisichella.

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time   
 1.  Fisichella    Benetton-Renault    (M)    1:21.973
 2.  Irvine        Jaguar-Cosworth     (M)    1:22.896
 3.  Burti         Jaguar-Cosworth     (M)    1:23.022
 4.  Button        Benetton-Renault    (M)    1:24.387
  
All Timing Unofficial