Midland hit the 2006 test track tomorrow

More work
By Huw Alban
January 16 2006

Midland F1 Racing hit the test track again this week, this time at a private test at Silverstone. We have it confirmed that Christijan Albers will start the test, and Tiago Monteiro is widely expected to contribute later in the week.

For those that are moving to criticise the team for not testing sooner, we are advised that the team have been waiting for their first opportunity to test the Toyota V8 with the new Midland gearbox. This week is the first time that these components have been made available together. We are also aware that the team have been working flat out creating the new components for the new car, and that the wind tunnel has been running almost continuously developing and honing the new car and development components.

We understand that Midland will be using an EJ15B chassis for this test, with the 2006 M16 car still scheduled to be launched on the 3rd of February.

There have been several stories circulating in the media discussing the identity of a guest test driver who will be participating in this test this week. Although we are unable to confirm or deny any of the identities we can confirm that a 'mystery guest driver' will be in attendance at some point.

The weather today in Northamptonshire has been wet with light rain most of the day. The current 5 day forecast is for overcast conditions with the greatest threat of further rain being on Wedneday and Friday. Hopefully the weather will smile kindly on the team this week and give them the opportunity to make some sound progress in the engine and transmission areas of the car.