29 Apr 2004
Day 2 - Schumacher top at Mugello
Toyota and BAR join Ferrari on their home turf
Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher was the fastest man around Mugello on Thursday, though BAR’s Takuma Sato was less than a tenth of a second behind the world champion.
Schumacher recorded 63 laps in perfect conditions, with a best of 1m 19.562s, as he continued a Bridgestone tyre programme in preparation for the coming races. He hands over to Rubens Barrichello on Thursday.
Sato was the quicker of the two BAR drivers present, outpacing Anthony Davidson, who finished fourth in the times. Both men completed around 100 laps of the Ferrari-owned circuit. Jenson Button takes over from Davidson in the 006 on Thursday.
Toyota were the third and final team present. Cristiano da Matta was marginally quicker than the Japanese squad’s third driver Ricardo Zonta, as both men continued development of the TF104 machine.
Unofficial Wednesday times from Mugello:
1. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari (Bridgestone), 1:19.562
2. Takuma Sato, BAR (Michelin), 1:19.637
3. Cristiano da Matta, Toyota, (Michelin), 1:20.446
4. Anthony Davidson, BAR (Michelin), 1:20.478
5. Ricardo Zonta, Toyota, (Michelin), 1:20.680
Ferrari were also in action at Monza on Wednesday, with Luca Badoer continuing tyre and engine work in the F2004. The Italian test driver ran a total of 521 kilometres during the day.
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