26/01/2006
NEWS STORY
 |
Felipe Massa once again topped the timesheets at Valencia. However, ignoring the Brazilian, who is driving the 2004 Ferrari, the 2006 cars are making clear progress.
Today, as has been the case throughout this week's test, the bitterly cold weather had a negative affect, with drivers completing relatively few laps until just before midday. At the time of writing, there are even predictions of snow for Friday.
Massa, at the wheel of V8 powered F2004, was joined by Michael Schumacher, who drove the newly launched 248. The German continued with the development work begun on Tuesday at Mugello, completing 78 laps, while the Brazilian worked on a tyre and engine development programme.
Of the 2006 cars, Rubens Barrichello was quickest, 0.391s down on Massa, but only 0.004s up on Giancarlo Fisichella in the new Renault. The Brazilian was partnered by Jenson Button, who finished fifth quickest, just 0.378s down.
Once they were able to go out for some serious running around 11.00am, Rubens and Jenson continued to work on the general chassis set-up and development of the two brand new chassis.
Anthony Davidson will take over from Jenson tomorrow for the final day of the test.
Despite the early cold, both Renault drivers completed extensive tyre programmes for Michelin throughout the day. For Fernando Alonso, this took the form of a Grand Prix simulation during the morning followed by medium-distance runs in the afternoon, all of which were completed without incident.
Fisichella's day was disrupted by two stoppages on track, the first when a problem with an engine ancillary caused him to spin, while a mechanical problem in the late afternoon curtailed his running. Nevertheless, he completed 68 laps, setting the third fastest time.
"The weather meant we had another slow start to the day," said Christian Silk, "but when the drivers began their programme, we had another very productive day. Giancarlo was slightly hampered by two technical incidents, but we expect that at this time of year, early in the car's development.
"Both drivers are happy with the car's performance, and we made very good progress on the tyres today," he added. "It was also pleasing to see Fernando complete our first race simulation this morning, without problems."
Fourth quickest was Nick Heidfeld, who was joined, once again, by Robert Kubica. The German worked on set-ups, and also tested tyre compounds, while the Pole made a number of practice starts, in addition to learning procedures and working on set-ups. He also completed a tyre test programme.
"Overall, the test in Barcelona was very positive for our team," said Willy Rampf. "The reliability of the F1.06 is already at a good level, which enabled us to complete over 1500 kilometres with the new car during the four days.
"We were able to collect a lot of valuable data and learned more about the set-up of the car. In addition, I am very satisfied with the Robert's debut for our team. Over two days, he didn't make the smallest error, and was able to improve constantly. On top of that he is also able to give valuable feedback to the engineers."
Red Bull appears to be making progress, David Coulthard finishing seventh quickest as the team appears to be getting over the overheating problem which has afflicted the RBR2 in recent tests. A Red Bull source told Pitpass that the team is confident that the problem will be resolved soon, adding that the car has more pace but that the team doesn't to push too hard at this stage.
"Analysis of the data we acquired yesterday pointed to the need for a minor change to the mechanical set-up," admitted Technical Director Mark Smith. "The result of this immediately proved positive and for the rest of the morning, we continued with normal set-up work. Then, from the early afternoon onwards, we began work on a tyre test programme.
"Generally, the last three days have shown signs of encouraging progress," he added.
Toyota had Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher on duty, both drivers almost a second off Barrichello's pace.
It was a trouble-free day for Tonio Liuzzi, who racked up an impressive 93 laps of the Spanish Grand Prix track.
"We now have a lot of data to study back in Faenza," said Chief Engineer Laurent Mekies. "Tonio carried out a wheel rim evaluation to help us decide which ones we will use for the coming season. We also ran an aero validation of some parts that we will use on the new car. In addition, we looked at control systems, in terms of establishing what the driver requires in terms of traction control, diff mapping and engine braking.
"Tonio found a reasonable balance with the car, apart from suffering a bit too much oversteer," he added. "However, the most positive lesson from the last two days, is that we are really beginning to work together as a team."
Loitering at the bottom of the timesheets was the McLaren duo, Pedro de la Rosa, and 2005 runner-up, Kimi Raikkonen.
As a result of the cold, foggy conditions, following an installation lap shortly after 09:00 the Finn, at the wheel of the MP4-21, spent just under two hours in the garage before returning to the track at 10:52. Following another short run of 4 laps, Kimi began more longer stints. A minor oil leak in the gearbox was detected early afternoon, which was repaired by the test team and Kimi returned to the track to continue his programme.
de la Rosa returned to testing duties following his shakedown with the MP4-21 on Monday. Today he was driving the interim MP4-20, and his work continued to focus on Michelin tyre evaluation. During the course of the afternoon, the engine in the Spaniard's car was changed, as it had reached the end of its lifecycle.
"It is really good to be back testing and it is great to see what the team have done with the new car," said Raikkonen. "Because it was my first day in the MP4-21, most of the time was spent with me getting used to it and then starting to look at different set-ups.
"My first impression of the car is positive," he added, "but I will need more track time to find out how great the potential really is. Also we could not run all morning because of the cold weather, but even so we put in a good number of laps and drove over 300km."
Tomorrow (Friday) is the final day of testing here.
Weather
Air temperature: 5-14 C
Track temperature: 4-15 C.
Brass Monkeys then Sunny
To check out our Barcelona Test picture gallery containing over 300 pictures, click here