BAR step up the pace in testing

Button Testing
By Phil Huff (03/09/2003)
September 3 2003

After the testing ban imposed a six-week break in track-based development work for the F1 teams, BAR threw the full weight of its resource behind the new testing period today as it commenced simultaneous three-day tests in Monza, Italy and Lurcy Levis in France.

In preparation for next week's Italian Grand Prix, the team has three cars and its full line-up of race and test drivers present in Monza, the schedule for which is as follows:

Day One - Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato
Day Two - Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato
Day Three - Jacques Villeneuve,Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson

Over the course of the test, the team will conduct comprehensive development work on all areas of the car, including aerodynamics, engine and intensive tyre evaluation with team partner Bridgestone.

On day one, Jacques Villeneuve focused on tyre assessment, whilst also working on set-up for the Grand Prix. He completed 82 laps and posted the sixth fastest time of the day.

Jenson Button 81 laps of the legendary Monza track, and recorded the 4th fastest of the day. His day was spent concentrating on tyre evaluation with Bridgestone and aerodynamic developments for the next race.

Takuma Sato recorded only 32 laps on his first day as he waited for his car to be prepared then spun off the track during the afternoon.