JANUARY 15, 2001

Prost start testing new car

FRENCHMAN Jean Alesi tested Prost's new Ferrari engines for the first taste on Monday when he shook down the AP04 chassis at Magny-Cours.

Alesi, who completed 56 laps on a very productive first day, said the car handled well and added that the reliability of the car impressed him.

"This was an excellent first run of the new car," Alesi said. "It felt very good, right from the start and it was a real pleasure to be able to do a lot of laps without any problems."

Alesi will continue to testing session at the French circuit on Tuesday.