FEBRUARY 8, 2001

Benetton suffer problems in Estoril

THE new Benetton B201 suffered a setback on Thursday when an engine problem and resultant engine change ended Giancarlo Fisichella's running with the car after 34 laps.

A stomach bug for Jenson Button meant that Australian test-driver Mark Webber was out in last year's Benetton B200 in the afternoon, concentrating on Michelin tire development.

Jean Alesi's Prost ran 29 laps, and topped the times with Enrique Bernoldi's Arrows nearly two seconds slower in second. The Benettons were third and fourth, while Verstappen's Arrows only completed 14 laps.

Times from Thursday's testing at Estoril:

POS DRIVER ENTRANT TIME
Jean Alesi Prost 1:19.628
Enrique Bernoldi Arrows 1:21.506
Mark Webber Benetton 1:21.925
Giancarlo Fisichella Benetton 1:23.055
Jos Verstappen Arrows 1:23.190