C23 Quicker than C22 at Valencia test today
By Sauber-Petronas (15/1/2004)
January 16 2004
Team SAUBER PETRONAS continued its three-day test at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo today. Giancarlo Fisichella covered 80 laps in chassis C23-01 to set a best time of 1:10.530. Felipe Massa in chassis C22-05 ran 53 laps with a best time of 1:11.960.
Jacky Eeckelaert (Chief Race Engineer):
80 laps without technical problems, a quick lap time and a car that feels good what else can you ask of the SAUBER PETRONAS C23 on its second day on the track? For us it is a really good result and we are happy with the outcome. We have mainly worked with Bridgestone today and tested different tyre constructions, finding one which enhanced the carīs handling balance. Experimentation with the set-up was also an important part of todayīs programme as we assessed the carīs sensitivity to parameter changes.
Felipe tested a new damper system with the C22, which had previously been evaluated on our seven-post rig in Hinwil. Its characteristics enhance traction and we will apply it to the C23 and assess it further in our forthcoming tests.
In the afternoon we have also shot some copyright-free video footage for promotion and media purposes, which will be available shortly.
Tomorrow we will continue with our Bridgestone work and examine several tyre compounds with Felipe and the C23.
Giancarlo Fisichella (Driver):
I must say that Iīm very happy. Usually it is difficult to do a lot of laps with a new car as there are often some problems here and there. But this was not the case today. Our absolutely highest target was to reach a lap time of 1:10.5 and we achieved it! The car is good and I can feel that there is quite some potential. Still, I need to get more confident with it and we need to do more set-up work, but thatīs normal. Overall itīs a good feeling to drive this car.