Sauber Prepare for Monaco at Fiorano
Ginacarlo Fisichella
By Jamie Makin (27/4/2004)
April 29 2004
Following the San Marino Grand Prix, team SAUBER PETRONAS packed up their transporters and travelled to the Ferrari's nearby test track, the Pista di Fiorano.
Giancarlo Fisichella put in a hard day's work of testing for the team in his home country, setting a best time of 0:57.613 over 165 laps. The day's session worked on various aspects of the C23. One goal was to continue evaluating new parts produced by the team's wind tunnel. The first batch of parts from the new Hinwil facility helped both drivers finish in the top ten in Imola, but the team knows there is still a lot to be gained from optimizing these parts.
The team also focused on their primary goal for the week, preparing for next month's Monaco Grand Prix. The narrow twisty track through the streets of Monte Carlo places a premium on mechanical grip and handling as opposed to sheer engine horseopwer. Sauber tested car setups, brakes and Bridgestone tyres in hopes of maximizing the driveability of the C23.
The sunny skies in Fiorano were a welcome change from the rain that hindered the team's last test in Barcelona. "We did a lot of work and were able to complete our programme for today," remarked Giampaolo Dall'Ara, Fisichella's race engineer. All in all, this was the most productive day of testing the team has had since the start of the season. Testing will continue through Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Ferrari was nowhere to be seen in Fiorano, the team opting instead to split their testing efforts between Mugello and Monza. Fisichella's teammate, Felipe Massa, has returned to his part-time role of test driver with Ferrari at the Mugello circuit. It was Massa's first chance to try out the new F2004 and he set a best time of 1:19.529 in 72 laps. His efforts focused on Bridgestone tyre testing for upcoming races, a task that will ultimately help Sauber as well as Ferrari. Massa will rejoin Sauber on Thursday when he takes over for Fisichella at Fiorano.