| The
WilliamsF1 team completed their last day of testing at the Jerez circuit
prior to the test ban coming into effect. Present were Marc Gené and Antonio
Pizzonia. Pizzonia had been announced as Ralf Schumacher's replacement for
the German Grand Prix.
 Pizzonia
said: "I am very happy to have been given this opportunity by the BMW
WilliamsF1 Team and I will do my very best to assist the team in scoring
some points. My total concentration is now on the forthcoming race weekend,
and I have a clear preparation plan prior to Hockenheim."
Under ideal conditions both Marc and Antonio were able to complete their
test programmes. Both Antonio and Marc spent their last day focusing on tyre
evaluations and traction control tests. Antonio would complete fifty seven
laps with a best lap time of 1m:17.400. This would be the fastest time of
the week. He was to have some minor mechanical problems in the morning
session. Marc would complete seventy four laps with a best time of 1m:17.758m.
Combined, Marc and Antonio completed 486 laps of the Jerez
circuit, a total of 2,152 kilometers over the three days. Following the
August test ban, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team will next return to the test track
on 1st September at Monza.
WilliamsF1 Test Team Manager
Tim Newton:
 "With Marc and Antonio both on duty all week, the team’s been able to run a
consistent programme over the three days. Taking into consideration the
forthcoming test ban which comes into effect at the start of August, this
was an important test for the team during which we’ve had to cover an
extensive amount of work.
Fortunately, ideal conditions prevailed all week which allowed the drivers
to carry out the development work on the new aero and mechanical components
uninterrupted. In readiness for the next races at Hungary, Budapest and Spa,
between which we won’t have an opportunity to test, the drivers covered some
considerable mileage testing various Michelin compounds. Despite some minor
problems on Friday, the team has achieved its objectives so we should be set
up well for Germany."
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen:
"The team’s focus for this test has inevitably been on chassis development.
This week has provided the first opportunity for the team to investigate the
new bodywork, although we’ve already run it twice under race conditions.
Aside from chassis work, the drivers have completed an intensive tyre
evaluation schedule in preparation for the forthcoming race in Hockenheim.
With regards the BMW P84 engine, we worked on the race starting procedure
and
on optimising the traction control system. Antonio Pizzonia has used this
week’s test as an opportunity to prepare for his first race for the team." |
