Jaguar's Pizzonia quick off the mark

Brazil’s Antonio Pizzonia clocked the fastest time in private testing for the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola today.

The Jaguar driver finished just over 0.1 seconds ahead of Jordan’s Giancarlo Fisichella who will be presented with the winner’s trophy from his maiden victory in Brazil two weeks ago this morning.

Pizzonia’s team-mate Mark Webber, who scored Jaguar’s highest ever qualifying place of third in Sao Paulo, was third fastest just over 0.3secs off the pace.

Jordan’s Ralph Firman was fourth quickest – almost 0.8secs off Pizzonia’s pace - in the two-hour session which is restricted to the four teams who have agreed to limit their testing during the season.

Italy’s Jarno Trulli, who had one spin into the gravel, posted the fifth fastest time followed by fellow Renault drivers Fernando Alonso and Scotland’s Allan McNish.

Dutchman Jos Verstappen was eighth with Minardi team-mate Justin Wilson ninth fastest, almost 3.3secs slower than Pizzonia.

Minardi also gave a run-out to test driver Matteo Bobbi as part of a sponsorship deal with the Italian that lasts for four races.

The 24-year-old managed 17 laps but was over 6.3secs off the pace set by Pizzonia.