24/06/2005
NEWS STORY
BAR's Jenson Button topped the timesheets on the final day of testing at Jerez.
The Englishman, who had limited running time, due to the fact that he is scheduled to participate in the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, narrowly edged out Renault's Fernando Alonso.
Despite the intense heat, which saw track temperatures reach 54 degrees C, the team was able to successfully complete the planned programme of aerodynamic upgrade evaluations, an intensive set-up programme for the new 007-06 chassis and the running of the latest specification engine from Honda.
Button tested further aerodynamic solutions completing 83 laps, while Takuma Sato had a frustrating morning as a brake and engine problem limited his running to only 28 laps.
Anthony Davidson took over the car from Sato in the afternoon session and, with the engine changed, he ran through a chassis set-up programme completing 36 laps.
Enrique Bernoldi, taking over from Button, ran through some chassis set-up work alongside a short aero evaluation to complete 47 laps.
Renault, looking forward to its home race next weekend, had Alonso and Franck Montagny on duty, the Frenchman bringing out the red flags late in the day when he stopped out on track.
"We had a productive day that allowed us to complete preparations for Magny-Cours, while also working on chassis development programmes, and notably braking," said Christian Silk."
With Alexander Wurz ruled out as a result of a trapped nerve, Kimi Raikkonen was joined by Pedro de la Rosa once again.
The Finn continued performance testing work, focusing on suspension in the MP4-20. However, he suffered mechanical problems in the afternoon which cost him two hours of track time but completed his programme.
In a change to the schedule, Pedro was behind the wheel of the MP4-19B, working on a Michelin tyre development programme, concentrating on evaluations of the prime and option tyre for the forthcoming French Grand Prix.
The Spaniard suffered an engine failure in the morning, however, the team completed an engine change and he was back out on track within two hours. He then completed the reminder of his programme without any problems.
Felipe Massa continued Sauber's good form, the Brazilian finishing fourth quickest, just 0.221s off the pace.
"In the morning we further tested new aerodynamic parts," said test engineer, Paul Russell, "and the new front wing which we brought here to evaluate worked well. Later we concentrated on long-runs to choose tyre options for Magny-Cours and achieved competitive lap times. We believe that we could set a good basis for the final tyre choice for the French Grand Prix.
"Overall, it was a decent test this week with good results and we were able to complete our programme as scheduled."
Jarno Trulli was fifth quickest, the Italian joined by test driver Ricardo Zonta.
"I was running just the single day and so I had a big programme of performance evaluation on the Magny Cours tyres to do," said Jarno. "It was very intensive and I completed more than 100 laps. We had no technical problems, I finished the work and I am quite optimistic for the French Grand Prix.
Nick Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia were in action for WilliamsF1, which ran for just two days.
Both drivers concentrated on tyre testing, Nick focussing on compounds and Antonio on construction. The drivers also carried out 'thermo testing', which included a number of practice starts.
With David Coulthard also scheduled to head back to England for the Festival of Speed - he shared a flight with Jenson Button - Red Bull also had Christian Klien and Tonio Liuzzi on duty.