15/04/2005
NEWS STORY
Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello had company at Mugello today, in the form of Christijan albers, who was shaking down the brand new Minardi PS05.
The Brazilian, at the wheel of an F2005, carried out a technical programme centred on tyres.
The Italian team has been in action for four days this week, working here and at Fiorano simultaneously. On Monday (18) the team begins a three-day test at Monza, with Luca Badoer on sole duty.
Further long the pitlane, Minardi unvelied its 2005 contender, the PS05, in all reality the first all-new car from the Italian team in several years.
The car - which features the same engine as fitted to the Red Bull cars - was only completed hours before the test got underway.
"It was a good day," said Albers, "and I have to say, it was a terrific feeling to give the new car its first run. I would like to compliment the entire team. They did a great job to get the first PS05 chassis ready for today's test, and I was then able to cover a useful distance without any significant problems.
"I was also very happy with the performance of the Cosworth CR6 engine, which felt both powerful and responsive. We now have to start working seriously on chassis set-up, and clearly, we have a great deal to learn about the car. This means Imola is likely to be quite a challenge for us, but there's huge motivation and enthusiasm within the team, and I know that we are going to make progress."