27/09/2005
NEWS STORY
WilliamsF1 began its final test of the 2005 Formula One World Championship season today, with Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg joined by Sebastian Vettel.
In brilliant conditions, bright sunshine, and temperatures reaching 32 degrees C, the Grove team began a two-day test at Jerez de la Frontera.
Webber and Rosberg were joined by German hot-shot Sebastian Vettel, the reigning Formula BMW ADAC Champion, who won 18 out of 20 races in 2004, and is now competing in F3.
With the circuit to themselves - several other teams begin testing tomorrow - the drivers performed various duties. Mark focussed on tyre evaluations and set-up work, while Nico concentrated on braking materials. Sebastian, who took over from Rosberg at 14:00, spent the afternoon getting used to the car, having never driven an F1 car before.
"On our first day at Jerez, the drivers managed to complete a substantial amount of mileage, in particular Mark, who recorded over 500kms while tyre testing for Michelin," said test team manager, Tim Newton. "Nico was also on duty and covered 37 laps before his half day session was ended prematurely by a technical problem.
"Nico is now on his way to Bahrain for the final round of the GP2 Championship. With a three point lead in the Drivers' rankings, the team would like to wish him all the best for a successful weekend," added Newton.