29/09/2005
NEWS STORY
McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa continues to set the pace at Jerez, as the Woking outfir wrapped up its testing programme for the 2005 season.
Once again the Spaniard was joined by Alexander Wurz as conditions for the third day of testing at Jerez remained perfect, with blue skies and temperatures reaching 32 degrees.
Pedro progressed with the Michelin tyre programme for the Chinese Grand Prix that he began on Wednesday, completing short runs in the morning. In the afternoon he took over damper work from Alex and focussed on aerodynamic developments.
Alex's programme incorporated Michelin tyre work, and rear suspension development. Both drivers completed their planned programmes without any problems.
"With the Chinese Grand Prix just a few weeks away, this test has been important in making sure we make the correct Michelin tyre choice for the race," said the Spaniard. "I will be the team's Friday driver out in Shanghai, and am looking forward to seeing how the work we have done here at Jerez will help us out on the racetrack."
"These two days have gone well and we have made some positive steps forward," added the Austrian, "completing a distance of 840km with no problems. I can't believe this is the final test before the end of the season, the year seems to have gone by so quickly."
Third quickest, and 0.8s off de la Rosa's pace, was Franck Montagny in the Renault. The Frenchman was joined by the French outfit's Brazilian RDD driver, Lucas di Grassi, who was making his F1 debut today.
Fourth quickest was Christian Klien, who took over from Tonio Liuzzi. The Austrian posted a best time 1.05s off de la Rosa's blistering pace.
BAR has Anthony Davidson and James Rossiter at Jerez for its last tow test days of the season, however, today, Davidson was joined by IRL champion Tony Kanaan, who was making his F1 debut.
Davidson began the test alternating between two chassis, one a 2006 'development' car, evaluating different set-ups. In the afternoon he worked through an aerodynamic evaluation.
In addition to a couple of spins, Kanaan, who is simply familiarising himself with the car, lost track-time in the afternoon following an electrical problem.
Toyota had Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta on duty, the Brazilian persevering with the V8 car, which he has reportedly described as boring to drive. Trulli continued with the TF105B which it is believed Ralf Schumacher will debut next week in Japan.
Tomorrow, Renault, Red Bull and Toyota - yes Toyota - conclude their testing programmes for the 2005 season, having reached the agreed 30-day limit.