Fernando Alonso and Heikki Kovalainen topped the timesheets on the second day of testing at Paul Ricard, where once again the 2.232 mile 2D SC Short configuration was in use, as the teams prepare for next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

Conditions were ideal, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees C, as twelve drivers representing seven teams racked up in excess of 1300 laps.

Alonso started his programme with set up changes in order to adapt the car to the track and then worked on tyre testing until the end of the session. Kovalainen had a busy day mainly focused on tyre testing for Michelin.

"We worked pretty well these past two days and it was a very productive session for the preparation of Monaco," said chief test engineer, Christian Silk. "We did good progress and the drivers seem to be pleased with the set up of the car. We are very satisfied and confident."

Third quickest was BMW's Jacques Villeneuve, whose best lap was just 0.200s off Alonso's benchmark. The Canadian, in action for the first time this week, was on duty along with Nick Heidfeld.

In the morning, both drivers worked on the set-up for the Monaco Grand Prix and then did some aerodynamic evaluation. Nick worked on a (Monaco specific) tyre programme for Michelin, while Jacques completed two specific tyre programmes, one for casings and one for compounds. Unfortunately, the former World Champion's day was brought to an unscheduled halt following an engine failure.

Tomorrow Robert Kubica will take over from Nick for German outfit's final day, while Jacques will continue with the other car.

After a disappointing day on Tuesday, Red Bull's fortunes appeared to improve today with Christian Klien finishing fourth quickest. David Coulthard was seventh quickest, just 0.720s off Alonso's pace, however, between them the Red Bull duo completed just 97 laps.

Toyota continued with the revised TF106B, which will make its race debut at Monaco. Jarno Trulli finished the day fifth quickest, just 0.261s off the pace, having completed an impressive 142 laps, while Ralf completed 112 laps.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Ricardo Zonta and Olivier Panis will be on duty for the Cologne-based outfit.

While Michael Schumacher got to work at Fiorano, Felipe Massa continued with a Bridgestone tyre development at Paul Ricard. The Brazilian completed 119 laps on his way to posting the sixth quickest time of the day.

Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya continued McLaren's Monaco preparations which included the Michelin selection programme and race specific modifications to the cooling and bodywork. In addition both drivers worked on the set-up for next week's event with their engineers.

Juan Pablo set the seventh fastest time of the day, covering 121 laps of the French track, while Kimi completed over 74 laps, finishing ninth on the timesheets.

Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett will take over for tomorrow and Friday.

Tonio Liuzzi, taking over from Scott speed, was the busiest man today, covering 168 laps. His best time was just over a second off Fernando Alonso's pace.