Karthikeyan returns behind the wheels in Vallelunga

Rome, May 18: After completing the engine mapping work on Tuesday, Narain Karthikeyan will be behind the wheels again as Williams continue their Monaco Grand Prix preparations at the Vallelunga circuit here later today.

While most of the teams are practising at Paul Ricard in the south of France, Williams and Honda opted for this circuit.

On Tuesday, Alexander Wurz evaluated revised suspension components on the FW28 for Williams, while Karthikeyan did the engine mapping with new exhaust parts as well as traction control work, which is considered a very crucial element in driving fast at Monte Carlo.

Honda test driver Anthony Davidson topped the timesheet, clocking 1m01.855s, while Karthikeyan finished last at 1m03.843s.

Yesterday, Mark Webber joined Wurz replacing Karthikeyan and the pair completed 209 laps of the shortened circuit.

''Alex completed some tyre warm up tests and set-up changes this morning, while Mark concentrated on set-up work,'' Williams' test team manager Mike Condliffe said.

''The rest of the day was spent working through a tyre test to select the compounds for the Monaco race. Conditions today were ideal, dry with very little wind.'' Karthikeyan would replace Wurz in the testing today.

Yesterday, Jenson Button topped the times leading Honda team mate Anthony Davidson to a Honda one-two and they completed a staggering 322 laps together.

UNI