23/01/2008
NEWS STORY
The DAMS team wound up the second and last 2-day test session in preparation for the first round of the Asian GP2 Championship on the Dubai circuit today. The team's first test last weekend was marked by difficult track conditions as well as some technical problems, so its main aims were to maximise running time and go for performance. Both were achieved. Jérôme d'Ambrosio set the third-quickest time of the afternoon while Kamui Kobayashi had a less fruitful session. The Japanese driver found it difficult to get the best out of his new tyres and finished the day in 14th place.
The next task awaiting the team is to prepare the cars and refine their set-ups for the first weekend's racing of the season on 25th/26th January on the same circuit.
Eric Boullier, Team Manager: "The team's 2-day test was more productive than last weekend's and that's very positive. We decided to concentrate on performance, and we found the right options for this low-grip t rack. In addition, we developed a wide range off set-ups while the drivers got on with the job of getting to know the car, the circuit and the team. Jérôme's third-quickest time is very encouraging. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to confirm the same progress with Kamui on the second day. We're confident though, and we'll get down to preparing the two cars for this weekend's two races right away."
Kamui Kobayashi: "The car was handling very well on worn tyres. I think we've found the right set-up for this type of running, as the times are very consistent. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get the new tyres working properly, especially at the rear. In relation to our rivals the performance gain isn't enough. We've got a couple of days left to try and understand where the problem lies and correct it. I'm still optimistic, though. "
Jérôme d'Ambrosio: "The second session went off much better than the previous one as I set the third-quickest time overall. It's good for the morale! Technically speaking, we've made a big step forward and I think I've made a lot of progress in my understanding of the car. Of course, it's only testing but the result is encouraging and we still have plenty of room for improvement. I'm feeling more and more at home in the team. Although we're both still getting to know one another I'm very happy with the quality of our relationship. It's all very promising for the coming championship."