Wednesday May 30th, 2001

Young Finn Kimi Raikkonen was nearly one second quicker than his nearest rival on the first day of testing at the Monza circuit in Italy, where three teams worked on Wednesday in preparation for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Raikkonen, driving around the Italian track for the first time in his Sauber, concentrated on an intensive tyre programme, also conducting detailed aerodynamic and mechanical set-up work, as well as putting more mileage on the team's traction control, power steering and hydraulic differential.

The 21-year old completed 55 laps, and he was pleased with his day's work.

"I enjoyed myself today, learning the Monza circuit," admitted Raikkonen. "It's my kind of track because I really like driving at very high-speed. We got through a lot of work today, and made good progress."

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya was second quickest for the Williams team, who are also working at the Magny-Cours circuit with teammate Ralf Schumacher. Montoya also worked on tyre testing for Canada, and ended the day ahead of both Minardi drivers Fernando Alonso and Tarso Marques.

Testing at Monza will continue on Thursday.

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time   
 1.  Raikkonen     Sauber-Petronas     (B)    1:26.15
 2.  Montoya       Williams-BMW        (M)    1:27.13
 3.  Alonso        Minardi-European    (M)    1:29.07
 4.  Marques       Minardi-European    (M)    1:30.01

All Timing Unofficial