19/01/2005
NEWS STORY
It was a chilly 3 degrees C as the second day of testing at Barcelona got underway. However, as the day progressed, the sun slowly emerged and the temperature climbed to a more acceptable 16 degrees C.
Today, Mark Webber was joined by Nick Heidfeld as WilliamsF1 continues to ponder who should fill the second race seat alongside the Australian this season.
Both drivers concentrated on traction control evaluations, in addition to carrying out a number of simulated race starts. Unfortunately their track time was limited due to technical problems.
"A problem with the suspension put an early end to the day's schedule," said test team manager, Tim Newton. "The guys at the factory are currently investigating the problem, as soon as they have rectified the situation we will be back on track."
Despite the problems however, the WilliamsF1 duo topped the timesheets, with Mark completing 35 laps on his way to posting the best time of the day.
Tomorrow, WilliamsF1's last day here, Antonio Pizzonia will join the German.
Third quickest, just 0.399 off the pace, was Michael Schumacher in a 2004 Ferrari running 2005 downforce levels. The German continued with the development work, begun on Tuesday, on new components, electronic solutions and Bridgestone tyres.
Tomorrow, Rubens Barrichello will be on duty.
Toyota had Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher on duty. Although the Italian had a relatively trouble-free day, his German teammate only managed 22 laps as a result of a valve problem. The former WilliamsF1 star also lost track-time following an off.
Jarno was 1.037s off Webber's pace, while Schumacher was the slowest of the lot, almost 3.8s off the pace.
Red Bull had three drivers on duty, separated by just 0.285s. Vitantonio Liuzzi was the quickest of the trio, outpacing Coulthard and Klien. The Milton Keynes outfit focussed on tyre evaluations as it ran 2004 'B' cars.