23/06/2004
NEWS STORY
Sauber's Giancarlo Fisichella topped the timesheets at Barcelona today, as the Swiss outfit, along with Jaguar and Renault joined Ferrari's Luca Badoer, yesterday's sole-runner.
The Italian completed 104 laps out-pacing Renault's Fernando Alonso by 0.071. Felipe Massa will take over testing duties for the Swiss outfit tomorrow.
"We focused our programme today on the evaluation of a new front and a new rear wing resulting from our latest wind tunnel work, said race engineer, Mike Krack. "As the tests went well we will use both parts for the race in Magny-Cours next week. On top of this we worked with Bridgestone on the tyre construction for Silverstone and the following races. Tomorrow Felipe will verify those data and also tests for us different Bridgestone tyre compounds. Additionally we have scheduled more aerodynamic checks."
In addition to Alonso, Renault had test driver Franck Montagny on duty. Between them, the Spaniard and Frenchman completed 208 laps.
Alonso conducted a suspension development programme during the morning, and then completed aerodynamic evaluations, as well as set-up work for the coming races, in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Franck spent the day tyre testing. He looked at tyre compounds in the morning, and then constructions in the afternoon, conducting performance evaluations.
"We had a very good first day in Barcelona," said chief test engineer, Christian Silk. "Both cars ran without any problems and completed their planned programmes. Franck found some good developments on the tyre side, while Fernando's set-up work also yielded some useful lessons.
"On the engine side, we have been preparing for the transition to the new qualifying format ahead of Silverstone," he added, "and have experienced no difficulties at all. It has been an encouraging start to our week's work."
Third quickest was Ferrari's Luca Badoer, alternating between the two F2004 at his disposal. His programme consisted of a continuation of the tyre testing and car development begun yesterday.
Tomorrow, Luca will be joined by Michael Schumacher.
Jaguar had Mark Webber and Bjorn Wirdheim on duty. The Australian completed the most laps of the day (135), finishing 0.122s off Fisichella's time. Wirdheim however, was almost a second off the Sauber's pace.