Jacques Villeneuve topped the times today on the Barcelona (Spain) track. He clocked a best time of 1m 18.41s. Johnny Herbert was second with a time of 1m 18.84s.

Damon Hill tested for Bridgestone while Pedro Diniz tried out the new spec D Yamaha engine. Jarno Trulli tested a new Hart V8 in his Minardi.

Jean Alesi was happy with the tests: "We had a good three days here and have tested things for Monte Carlo. We've made good progress and I'm looking forward to next weeks' race."

Michael Schumacher has received the highest price to be given to a sportsman in Germany: the Silver Laurel leaf. It was handed to him by the German minister of Transport Matthias Wissmann.

• Hill has showed himself unhappy with the team and he may be looking for a new team for the 1998 season. McLaren is one of the teams which is named because Williams designer Adrian Newey will design the 1998 car.

• France sources say a third tyre company will enter Formula One in 1998. Which company this would be was not named.

• Jordan chief designer Gary Anderson said the Barcelona race, on May 25, to be the biggest test for the cars.