2003 Starts Here: Testing Under Way

Heidfeld in the Pits
By Phil Huff
December 5 2002

Sauber Petronas kicked off their 2003 campaign with their first test at Valencia. Nick Heidfeld took to the circuit behind the wheel of a 2002 spec C21, concentrating on gearbox developments for the C22, due to be revealed to the public on 9 February.

Commenting on the first day of the new season, Jacky Eeckelaert (Head of Vehicle Engineering) said "The purpose today was to conduct detailed gear-box test to gather data for the forthcoming SAUBER PETRONAS C22. We had a successful day and were able to finish running an hour early having completed our gear-box program."

The early finish would have been appreciated by Heidfeld, having completed 49 laps, setting third best time in the process. "I have enjoyed my break since Suzuka," commented Heidfeld, "but it felt great to be back in a racing car again. Valencia is an interesting track to drive on. We had a productive day."

Heinz-Harald Frentzen is due to get his first run on 7 December at Jerez.

P	Driver	Team	Engine	Car	Tyre	Best Lap	Laps
1	JP Montoya	Williams	BMW	FW24	M	1:13.346	52
2	K Raikkonen	McLaren	Mercedes	MP4/17D	M	1:13.574	57
3	N Heidfeld	Sauber	Petronas	C21	B	1:15.017	49
4	A Wurz	McLaren	Mercedes	MP4/17D	M	1:15.097	15
5	J Trulli	Renault	Renault	R202B	M	1:15.376	36
6	G Pantano	Williams	BMW	FW24	M	1:15.531	69
7	M Gene	Williams	BMW	FW24	M	1:15.958	12
8	F Montagny	Minardi	European V10	PS01B	M	1:17.031	28
9	S Zlobin	Minardi	European V10	PS01B	M	1:17.302	29