Sato on one of his 104 laps.

The drivers ran their 2001 cars with very few problems all day, although a minor problem with the car in the morning caused Fisichella to spin off and he subsequently lost around two hours of running time. He was still able to complete 105 laps, and posted the second fastest time of 1:12.78, while Sato finished 104 laps, with his best lap time of 1:13.52 placing him fourth.

The team carried out extensive tyre testing for Bridgestone with both drivers, and Sato also spent time evaluating development brakes.
Sato was very happy with his week's work. "I am so happy to have done so many laps, it was good after Barcelona that this circuit runs in another direction!" the Japanese newcomer smiled. "I spun a lot because I was testing brakes and sometime some of the development pieces didn't work."

Overall the session has been very productive and the team is satisfied with positive results from development gearbox internals and uprights, as well as extensive work over the three days with launch and traction control.

Jordan Honda leaves Valencia now to prepare for the three-day test at Silverstone from 22 to 24 January, when we will all wait to see the EJ12 in all its unbranded glory. The branding, including Benson & Hedges' level of participation, will not become known until its official launch - date still to be announced.