WilliamsF1 completes four day Paul Ricard Test

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team finished a productive four day test at the Paul Ricard circuit today, concluding preparations for the forthcoming Monaco Grand Prix. Additional preparation work was also undertaken in the earlier part of the week for other races, utilising the variable circuit configurations at Le Castellet that enable both high-speed, low downforce, and lower speed, high downforce conditions to be simulated. Marc Gené, Antonio Pizzonia and Juan Pablo Montoya undertook driving duties and covered almost 4,000km.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):
This week we had a productive test at Ricard circuit, concentrating on tyre compounds for Monaco and Nürburgring, suspension settings and brake material and brake ducts. We also did some low downforce aerodynamic work on the long circuit on the first two days.

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
This week's Paul Ricard test has been focused on preparation work for the two forthcoming Grand Prix in Monaco and Montreal respectively. With a view to the Monaco circuit, we have been running on the shorter track and with for Montreal we used the full track with its long straight. The main test objectives were chassis development, set-up and tyre testing. On the engine side, we have been working on improvements of our start performance, traction control and engine set-up. The changeable weather conditions gave us the opportunity to further develop these objectives in dry as well as wet conditions.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team’s next test will take place at Silverstone circuit, England, between 1st and 3rd June. Juan Pablo Montoya will be joined by the team’s official test drivers, Marc Gené and Antonio Pizzonia.