Both Sauber and Minardi were in action at Imola today.

Sauber began a a three-day test at the Circuit Enzo e Dino Ferrari , with both Jacques Villeneuve and Felipe Massa on duty.

"Today Felipe ran an aerodynamic programme and compared different front wings," explained Jacky Eeckelaert, chief race engineer). "Part of this was the assessment of a newly developed front wing being a result of our wind tunnel work. Beside this Felipe tested Michelin tyres for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Jacques worked on further set-up improvements and thereby concentrated on a new traction control software.

"Tomorrow Felipe will test tyres for the Grand Prix in Imola in April and will carry out some set-up work too. For Jacques we have scheduled a simulation of a race weekend."

Meanwhile, Minardi staged its final test prior to the start of the 2005 Formula One season. The Faenza squad fielded a pair of Minardi Cosworth PS04B chassis, for Christijan Albers and newly signed race driver, Patrick Friesacher. The primary purpose of the test was to allow both men to continue acclimatising to F1 performance and to familiarise themselves with the Imola circuit, which will be the site of the first Grand Prix of the 2005 European season, in April. In addition, the technical programme today involved aerodynamic work and evaluation of the Bridgestone tyres the team will use in Australia.

"I'm very happy with the way things have gone today," said Patrick Friesacher, "particularly since this is only my second time in a Minardi since the Misano test. I gained more confidence in the car with each lap. We did a long run this afternoon, aimed at tyre evaluation, and apart from getting some good information, it also gave me a chance to test my fitness, which I'm pleased to say, seems good. We finished the day without any problems, and I have to thank the whole team for their efforts – the atmosphere is fantastic. I can't wait to get to Melbourne."

"Overall, I think we have had a good test today," added Christijan Albers, "and I feel like I have done a good job. The morning session was particularly positive, as I was able to work with the engineers to develop some aerodynamic approaches the team is looking at. We have not had any technical problems today, and I think this a good sign for our last test before Melbourne."

Massimo Rivola, Sporting Director and Team Manager: "Both drivers did good, solid jobs today, and there was nothing between them in terms of lap times, even though they were on different programmes. Christijan helped us to gain some important aerodynamic information that will be relevant to the PS05, while Patrick completed a long run in the afternoon on the 2005 Melbourne-specification tyres, and also recorded some interesting results. We particularly want to thank Bridgestone once again for their support, and we now look forward to the start of the new season, in Australia."

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal: "This has been a very useful final pre-season test for the team. Christijan and Patrick were assigned different tasks today, but both did exactly what was required and provided the team's technical staff with some useful data. It has also been a worthwhile personal exercise for both drivers, in that they have now accumulated some experience of the Imola circuit in a Formula One car, which should stand them in good stead when they return here for the San Marino Grand Prix."

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