Silverstone day one: Mondini in preparation

By Huw Alban
April 25 2006

Giorgio Mondini took to the track at Silverstone today in the first of a three day test. Unfortunately the team spent most of the day preparing the garage and the car, and so were only able to complete 25 laps.

The press release from the team reads:

Weather Conditions: Overcast with morning showers, Dry in the afternoon. Max. air temp. 16C / Max. track temp 18C
Driver: Giorgio Mondini
Chassis: M16-04
Engine: Toyota RVX06 G0114
Fastest Lap: 1:24.48
Number of Laps: 25
Distance: 129Km
Test Summary: Giorgio completed a short afternoon's work today in preparation for his Friday driving duties at the British Grand Prix in June. He also worked on control systems setup and general setup, both of which should help the team improve its race starts and overall pace. Tiago Monteiro will take over testing duties tomorrow, with Christijan Albers completing the test on Thursday.

Unfortunately there is not a lot that Phil and I can add to this. The team were busy all morning setting up the garage and the pit perch, but since it rained most of the morning we both feel that they lost nothing. The car arrived after lunch and the garage was a hive of activity as the team rushed to set it up.

The weather cleared in the afternoon, and Giorgio took to the track late in the afternoon. We noted that the team were using the new front wing, and I noted this evening that the engine comment on the press release has gained some extra letters and numbers. Is this the rumoured engine upgrade we wonder ?

Hopefully more tomorrow.