Pizzonia fastest on day one Valencia Test

For the BMW WilliamsF1 team they have now moved to the Valencia circuit for several days testing in preparation for the Austrian Grand Prix. On this first day the driving duties were carried out by test driver Antonio Pizzonia.

The test was conducted in fine weather conditions there with a temperature of 23 degrees. The main focus was on tyre testing, with some additional work carried out on engine tuning of the WilliamsF1 BMW FW24.

At the end of the day Pizzonia would set the fastest lap time, a lap of 1m:12,711 after completing a total of 94 laps. This time would be half a second faster than that set by McLaren's Alex Wurz. The second McLaren present was that of Kimi Raikkonen who finish ed the day in fifth.

The tests by the BMW WilliamsF1 Team are set to continue at Valencia until May 3rd. This Thursday will see Juan Pablo Montoya replace Antonio Pizzonia behind the wheel.

Tim Newton, WilliamsF1 Test Team Manager, had the following comments: "A useful day working on cooling options, brake tests and a small amount of tyre work. We were happy with the reliability of the car and Antonio's performance"

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team are also running a second test at Danielson in France this week with Ricardo Sperafico the F3000 Petrobas Junior Team driver.

Sauber driver, Felipe Massa, would finish the days testing in third. He said: finished 3rd today and was reasonably happy: "Today we spent quite a lot of time trying different mechanical set-ups on the car, and I was able to do 10 simulated racing starts to hone the launch control system. I like the Valencia track, and I'm looking forward to pushing hard again tomorrow as we continue our programme."

The Renault team began a four-day test in Valencia, with Fernando Alonso driving the R202. The team completed a programme of development work on the traction control system. As of  1 May Alonso will be joined by Jarno Trulli, who will conduct tyre testing in a second chassis.

Valencia is the only major test this week, but two teams (BAR and Toyota) will be present in Estoril, while Arrows intends to prepare for the upcoming races in Silverstone. The only team not planning any running this week is Minardi.

Driver Team/Engine Times Lap(s)

01. Antonio Pizzonia WilliamsF1 BMW 1:12.711 38/95
02. Alexander Wurz McLaren Mercedes 1:13.311 38/101
03. Felipe Massa Sauber Petronas 1:13.475 50/59
04. Fernando Alonso Renault 1:13.505 70/81
05. Kimi Raikkonen McLaren Mercedes 11:16.135 13/25