23/07/2004
NEWS STORY
All three Jaguar Racing drivers, Mark Webber, Christian Klien and Björn Wirdheim took to the Hockenheim-Ring in Germany today to compete in the morning and afternoon test sessions. With track temperatures as high as 52 degrees the teams enjoyed a dry if not hot session. Working on mostly balance and tyre work the morning session was cut short following a change in brake ducts for all three drivers. The second session was productive with the drivers clocking up a combined lap total of 85, well over one race distance. The team is now focusing on tyre and balance set-up in preparation for Saturday's qualifying.
Mark Webber: I did my installation lap this morning and was due to go out at the end of the first session when the team took the decision to change my brake ducts. They had found a problem on Christian and Bjorn's car and to ensure that they did not cause me any difficulties they changed them too. I had a good second session this afternoon and managed to complete 27 laps working through a fairly comprehensive programme. We will be concentrating now on our balance and some further tyre work ahead of tomorrow's qualifying.
Christian Klien: My session was cut short this morning as the team changed my brake ducts but I am happy to say that they turned things around pretty quickly and I was back out on track for the second session. The track is quite green out there but the car is feeling good. My programme in the second session was very busy as I was making up for lost time. We did manage to complete our test items though and I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel for qualifying tomorrow.
Björn Wirdheim: Friday is my only opportunity to get out on track and perform so I was slightly frustrated this morning when I had a problem with the brake ducts. The team made some changes but I missed out on some running. I made up for it in the second session and completed 28 laps with a 12th fastest lap time. The R5 is feeling good around here and I am keen to see the team do well in qualifying tomorrow and in the race on Sunday.
Dr Mark Gillan Head of Vehicle Performance: We spent much of today working on balance and set-up but unfortunately our time on track was less than expected when both Christian and Bjorn suffered a problem with their brake ducts and we needed to change them. The team in the garage worked very quickly and efficiently, allowing all three drivers to be out on track for the second session. The balance on the car around here was reasonable given how green the track was. All three drivers, Mark, Christian and Bjorn did a good job today and we will now all be focusing on tomorrow and working specifically on tyre and balance set-up.