Today was the third day of testing at the Mugello circuit. This morning, Michael Schumacher began working on the set-up of his F399. In the afternoon, the German driver simulated a race distance in three sections with two pit stops for refueling and tire changes. Schumacher completed a total of 80 laps, with a best time of 1:27.406. Scuderia Ferrari-Marlboro continues testing at Mugello tomorrow with Eddie Irvine in the F399.

The Minardi was also present at the Tuscan circuit. Today the technicians and the mechanics of Fondmetal Minardi Ford continued the development program on the ’99 car. They concentrated on reliability and performance development.

Marc Gene carried out the reliability program while Luca Badoer worked on performance development, due to the experience he acquired at Ferrari. At the end of the day the times achieved looked very encouraging. The tests were conducted without reliability concerns, this is a clear sign which bodes well for the Team. The Minardi program will be completed tomorrow morning by Luca Badoer in order to conclude the endurance test of the new ’99 Ford engine.

Minardi will be back at Mugello next Monday and Tuesday. Afterwards the two drivers will leave to Cervinia in Valle d’Aosta where they will follow an athletic training to prepare for the first Grand Prix of the season. The test driver Gaston Mazzacane will also join them.