20/04/2006
NEWS STORY
MF1 Racing arrives in San Marino, traditionally the first European race of the season, with new MAN transporters, a new hospitality centre and, most importantly, newly developed parts for its three M16s.
During a 2-day test session at Silverstone Circuit last week, the team performed an intensive evaluation of its control systems and analysed the performance of new aerodynamic components.
Based on data gained from the test, MF1hopes to see improved results at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, a demanding, physical track that places great emphasis on high downforce, suspension set-up, strong brakes, and powerful engines.
Tiago Monteiro: "It's good to be back in Europe! I'm looking forward to trying out all the new parts we have on the car, which should make for a good improvement. I really believe I could have scored points in Australia had I not been forced to retire with mechanical problems. Hopefully, I will have the same opportunity at Imola, which is a very exciting track with a great racing tradition - one of the last traditional drivers' circuits left on the calendar."
Christijan Albers: "I am really looking forward to the first European GP of 2006. I was very impressed with the new parts we tested at Silverstone, which should help us move forward. The car is really improving, and Tiago, Giorgio and I will do everything to show that MF1 Racing is on the way up. Imola is a nice track with a great atmosphere, and I can't wait to get back in the car again. Maximum attack!"
Giorgio Mondini: "It's going to be nice to finally drive on a track I'm familiar with, for a change! I know Imola quite well and I like it very much, actually. It's a challenging circuit, but it's good from a driver's point of view because it flows and allows you to get into a rhythm. Friday is going to be interesting because from what I've seen, the track surface is still very dirty, which will affect traction considerably. But my fitness is much better than it was in Malaysia, so I'm confident that I will be able to do a good job for the team and help them choose the right tyres for the weekend."
Dominic Harlow, Head of Race and Test Engineering: "Imola is a classic and challenging circuit, with several high-speed chicanes, considerable elevation changes, and some hard braking points. The track surface is well worn and poses its own set of challenges for the control systems, particularly early in the weekend. This lower grip level, combined with the chicane kerbs, forces us to focus on damping and the third spring set-ups in both the front and rear suspension. There have been some small changes to the circuit, making Turns 11 and 12 tighter. It is a difficult area to simulate, and because of the kerbs, we believe it will slow the cars by approximately 1.5 seconds per lap and, of course, increase brake energy slightly. We were pleased with the results of the Silverstone test week. We feel we made significant progress with the Bridgestone tyres and also tested development aero parts that our simulation predicts will give us improved performance. In addition, we now fully understand the problem that caused Tiago's retirement in Australia and have a fix tested and in place."