Schumacher fastest for Williams
During the recent three day test at Barcelona it was Ralf Schumacher who set the second fastest overall time on the first two days of the test before setting the fastest time of the test on Thursday with a 1m 22,27 secs in the Williams FW20.
He ran 39 laps the first day with a best of 1m 23,95 secs running the long wheelbase set-up , which he retained Wednesday. On Thursday he switched to the short wheelbase chassis in which he set his best time. "I am happy with the progress we are making. Every time I get into the car I feel more confident with the equipment and the team. The Williams is much easier to control when it is sliding," said Schumacher. "We have found a good balance now and I am confident that next year's Williams will be an even better car," he added.
Alex Zanardi was fourth fastest on the first two days with a 1m 24,55 on the first day after 45 laps and then did a 1m 23,85 secs on Wednesday running 58 laps. Zanardi ended up fourth fastest overall on Thursday when he set a best of 1m 23,43 secs after 59 laps. The test has been all about getting to know the team and I can honestly say I have made progress on that front," said Zanardi. Every lap I take in the Williams Fw20 teaches me something new which is exactly what we are here to do. I am here to learn and communicate my experiences and opinions with the team , I will be eager to get back into the new car after the break."
Jordan sets the early pace
Damon Hill set the pace for Jordan in the first two days of the Barcelona test, Heinz Harald Frentzen taking over on Thursday for the final day. Hill ran 65 laps the first day with a best of 1m 23,57 secs and worked on general tyre testing and chassis evaluation the second day to set a best of 1m 22,48 secs during 62 laps. He finished slightly early on the second day to allow the team to fit a fresh engine for Frentzen.
On Thursday Frentzen ran a trouble free day with tyre and chassis testing during 83 laps with a best of 1m 23,69 secs.
Coulthard tests alone for McLaren
David Coulthard was trying some new unspecified parts for the McLaren team, the Scot the only driver testing for McLaren during the three days. Despite some clutch problems he posted the third fastest time the first two days with a 1, 23,99s after 41 laps the first day and 1m 23,54 secs the second day when he ran 83 laps. On Thursday he ran 71 laps to set a best of 1m 22,89 secs the second fastest time of the test.
Panis gets back into the Prost
Having recovered sufficiently from his recent operation to remove the pins from his broken legs Olivier Panis got back behind the wheel of a Prost AP01C, similar to the chassis used by Jarno Trulli in the last two tests running an evolution Peugeot A18 engine. Trulli was in the AP01B chassis, which he had driven in Jerez, but unfortunately broke an engine on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Panis was working on weight distribution tests. On Wednesday it was his turn to encounter problems with alternator trouble and an electrical fault. On Thursday Panis did some long runs and matched 1m 24,74 secs which Trulli had set the previous day.
Mixed start for BAR
The British American Racing -Supertec 01 made its debut at the Barcelona track on Tuesday driven by Jacques Villeneuve. Unfortunately he was only able to run three laps because of electrical problems and then on Wednesday had problems with the rear bodywork flying off. Finally, on Thursday, the team cured its teething problems and Villeneuve set an impressive 1m 23,090 secs for the third fastest time of the day.
Sauber stays at home
The Sauber Petronas team did not make part in the test. Peter Sauber has indicated that he would like to keep Jorg Muller as a reserve driver, but he now seems likely to become the test driver for the Williams-BMW team.
Schumacher on holiday
Michael Schumacher was taking a family holiday in Norway and the Ferrari team did not test in Barcelona.
Arrows in Spain
The Arrows team sent two chassis to Barcelona where Mika Salo and local man Pedro de la Rosa were on hand to continue the development of the E-Spec V10 engine. Salo was testing alone for the first day running both cars for a total of 122 laps with a best of 1m 25,53 secs. On the Following day he set a 1m 25,21 secs in one of the cars, de la Rosa running the second. The Spaniard did 13 laps with a best of 1m 27,82 secs despite minor engine problems. On Thursday Salo completed 61 laps with a best of 1m 24,31 secs.
Stewart on Hold
The Stewart team is awaiting tyre availability which will enable them to test their new SF3 chassis at Silverstone next week. The new car will be officially unveiled at the Birmingham racing car show, January 7th.