06/04/2006
NEWS STORY
McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa topped the timesheets on the second day of testing at Paul Ricard, where, once again, the 2.37 miles 3E SC configuration was used.
The Spaniard continued his programme which focused on front suspension and set-up, he also began a Michelin tyre testing programme.
Gary Paffett, who was at the wheel of the interim MP4-20, completed 127 laps, setting the fourth quickest time of the session, a 1m04.279.
Second quickest was Robert Doornbos in the Red Bull, who was joined by Toro Rosso's Tonio Liuzzi - on loan for the day - as the Austrian team concluded its two-day test.
"Our programme centred on European GP tyre choice, testing of new aero and chassis parts and durability runs," said Chief Test Engineer, Ian Morgan. "Robert gave new chassis 05 its first shakedown today, while Tonio concentrated on longer runs to evaluate tyre durability. It's been a good test, as we got a lot of miles under our belt, went through our entire planned programme and found some performance."
After a short rest following the Australian GP, Giancarlo Fisichella joined the test team today. He remained focused on chassis set up improvements and completed an important tyre programme to prepare Imola.
The Italian said he felt comfortable in the car and the data accumulated seemed good, as confirmed by Christian Silk: "We were very productive this morning and our programme was mainly focused on chassis set up. During the afternoon, we completed an interesting tyre programme with Michelin which should be important for Imola. Our results of the day were very positive."
Heikki Kovalainen didn't have a very busy day, completing just 11 laps. However, he set the third fastest lap-time of the day. He will continue with his programme tomorrow, the last day of this session.
Despite what was happening elsewhere, Toyota continued to focus on events on track, as Oliver Panis and Ricardo Zonta continued their programmes.
A planned chassis change on Oliver's car caused a delay in the morning; nevertheless, he hit the track in the afternoon to focus on tyre testing for the Imola tyre choice. Ricardo Zonta had a full day of testing also concentrating on trying different tyre constructions for the next race.
"Our day has been a little less productive than yesterday," admitted Pascal Vasselon, "but altogether we are quite advanced now in our preparations for San Marino and Nurburgring.
"We are reasonably confident that we have looked at all our options for the tyre choice and we will just finish up some long runs tomorrow. The most positive thing is that the weather is finally similar to race conditions, which allows us to better simulate what we can expect at coming races during the season."
BMW had Jacques Villeneuve and Robert Kubica on duty. In the morning, both drivers worked on the set-up of the car, while Jacques also tested some aerodynamic parts.
In the afternoon, Robert completed a tyre test development programme for Michelin and evaluated different tyre specifications in view of the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. Jacques was forced to finish his working day prematurely due to a fuel system problem that could not be fixed in time.
On Friday, the final day of testing, Robert will be joined by Nick Heidfeld.