| The final
days of testing at Barcelona would see just Mark Webber present for the BMW
WilliamsF1 team as they, in conjunction with Michelin, conducted wet weather
tyre testing. Mark would set a time of 1m:25.902.
The BMW WilliamsF1 team issued a
press release, see blow, after the completion of the test.
The BMW WilliamsF1 Team
completed a four day test session at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona,
today, the first test following the end of the 2004 season and the start of
an extensive winter testing programme in preparation for next year.
Australian Mark Webber made his debut with the team driving the FW26 and
spent the first day settling into his new environment before commencing work
on set-up options as well as completing brake and tyre testing. Over the
four days, Mark set impressively quick lap times and completed a total of
324 laps, 1,497 kilometres.
Antonio Pizzonia was also on duty for the team, carrying out development
work on an interim FW26. Despite initial teething problems, Antonio
completed 87 laps, 402 kilometres, over three days.
The team will return to the test track on Tuesday 30th November for a three
day test at Jerez.
Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1):
“We have just finished a successful first test with Mark Webber. It's great
to have him on board the team. I have to say that Mark impressed me with his
speed even on his first morning in the car, his consistency throughout the
rest of the test, particularly on longer runs, was also impressive. He had
some positive comments about the car and quickly got down to brake, set-up
and tyre testing for us. Mark finished off the test today with a wet test
for Michelin.
Antonio was running in the interim car with the new gearbox and rear
suspension. We had some initial teething problems that will take the next
week, and into the Jerez test, to resolve.”
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"We’ve had a good first test this winter. The main focus was on Mark’s first
run in the car during which time he was able to get used to a new team, car
and engine. The relationship has started well and we look forward to its
continual development. From the engine side, we worked on starts, set-up and
traction control. We also completed some tyre testing."
Mark Webber:
"This week was a really good week. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone on the
team and I think I’ve fitted in well. Although we encountered some problems
at the start of the test, we managed to work through them and resolve them
fairly quickly. I’m happy with the car, and the work the guys at BMW do, and
I know there’s great potential within the team. I’m relieved that this first
test is now out the way and we can start working really hard over the next
few months.“ |
