Marcel tries the EJ12 for the first time.

Fog caused track running to begin an hour and a half late as the emergency helicopter was unable to land. However, once the fog had lifted and the track dried out, Sato was able to complete 62 laps and was third quickest with his lap time of 1:21.59. He spent a productive day working on engine mapping and aerodynamic development.

The young Japanese driver suffered a technical problem in the morning session, which stranded him out on the circuit, but was quickly resolved by the team. Trulli caused two other stoppages as a result of car problems.

Giancarlo Fisichella was due to join his teammate in Spain today, but he chose to spend an extra day resting, following an accident during testing at Valencia last week when he bruised his knee. As a result, Marcel Lasée got the chance to have a go in the second EJ12. The Formul Renault champion concentrated on general set-up, aerodynamic work, brake testing and tyre testing for Bridgestone.
It was a bit of a last minute call up for the German and Jordan stated that they valued his contribution, especially as he completed 37 trouble-free laps, finishing a second behind Sato. It certainly won’t have hurt his chances of him becoming the team’s test driver for 2002, details of which are expected to be announced next week at the official launch.

Fisichella hopes to join Sato tomorrow to continue the team’s programme.