Tuesday July 9th, 2002

Spanish test driver Fernando Alonso set the pace on the first day of work at the Valencia circuit, where three Formula One teams got back to action after Sunday's British Grand Prix.

The Renault driver, at the wheel of the Michelin-shod R102, set a quickest time of 1:13.129 after 67 laps around the Ricardo Tormo circuit, where the drivers had to face a track temperature of a massive 50 degrees Celsius.

"A normal first day of testing," said Renault's technical director Mike Gascoyne. "Fernando ran some useful programmes for our tyre partner Michelin."

Alonso, who was involved in the only incident of the day when he went off the track without any damage to his Renault, was over a second quicker than compatriot Marc Gene with the Williams.

The Grove-based team were testing today at Valencia with Gene and at the Monza circuit in Italy with the second test driver Antonio Pizzonia. German Nick Heidfeld, who finished in sixth place in Sunday's race at Silverstone, posted the slowest time of the day with the Sauber.

"It is good to be back in Valencia which is a circuit I like and with which I am very familiar after all the testing we have done there this year in February and April," said Heidfeld.

"Our purpose today was not to set quick lap times but to conduct some of the vital test work which is necessary to improve the car further. We had a productive day and I am pleased with the data we've gathered."

Testing at Valencia will continue on Wednesday, when the Jordan and Arrows teams are scheduled to join the session.

Today's times:

Pos  Driver        Team-Engine         Tyres  Time     Laps
 1.  Alonso        Renault             (M)    1:13.129  67
 2.  Gene          Williams-BMW        (M)    1:14.553  49
 3.  Heidfeld      Sauber-Petronas     (B)    1:14.567  39

All Timing Unofficial