16/06/2006
NEWS STORY
McLaren and Ferrari concluded a three-day test at Paul Ricard today, as the English and Italian teams prepare for the forthcoming double-header in North America.
Having been out[paced on Wednesday and Thursday, today it was turn of the McLarens to set the pace, with Pedro de la Rosa, tasking over from Kimi Raikkonen, posting the fastest time of the day.
"We have completed a productive three day session, as we continued our preparations for the Canadian and United States Grands Prix," said Martin Whitmarsh. "As both tracks have similar characteristics, dominated by long, fast straights and hard braking zones, we have been working through aero, set-up and brake work with Kimi, Gary and Pedro. The adaptability of Ricard has allowed us to simulate the conditions at the two North American races, and the aero testing has included the wing packages for the events.
"Alongside this, the test team has completed tyre selection with Michelin for Indy, with Canada tyres already confirmed at the last Ricard test in late May.
"The week has seen reasonable running," the Englishman continued, "with the three drivers covering over 2,600km in total. Today, both Pedro and Gary had some time in the garage to allow for engine changes at the end of the respective lifecycles, and were able to get back on track to continue running."
For Ferrari, Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa completed the work begun on Wednesday, focussing primarily on development of Bridgestone tyres and on experimentation with new aerodynamic solutions, as well as evaluation of mechanical and electrical components.
Meanwhile at Fiorano, Marc Gene carried out a shakedown of the cars Ferrari will use in the forthcoming Canadian Grand Prix. The Spanish driver covered eight laps, divided equally between the standard and short versions of the track. The best time of the day was a 1:03.594.