11/12/2008
NEWS STORY
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Once again it was Toro Rosso that topped the timesheets as this week's Jerez test, the penultimate test of 2008, came to a close.
For the Faenza outfit, which will not be in action again until the new year, it was a good way to end the year, even if this week's times were not particularly significant given the various configurations run by all the teams.
Nonetheless, the cars ran trouble-free throughout the day, allowing Sebastien Buemi and Takuma Sato to complete their programmes, which in the morning focused on performance, while the afternoon's work centred on long runs. In both these cases, the drivers were tasked with finding a good set-up on the '09 slick tyres. In addition, Buemi did some work on the braking system.
"I am pleased with the way these three days of testing have gone," said the Swiss driver, the only Toro Rosso driver to take to the track on all three days. "We have got through a lot of work, with a minimum of interruptions. Setting up the car to work with slick tyres and with reduced downforce was very interesting and it was also good for me to try the rain tyres on the first day. We have learnt a lot and acquired plenty of data which should be useful for the team for next season."
For McLaren, Heikki Kovalainen switched to the MP4-23A and spent the day running through tyre work and aero mapping. Pedro de la Rosa stepped back into the MP4-23K KERS development car but his day's mileage was limited by a number of small issues with the device.
Next week, the Woking team will conduct a one-car programme at the new Portimao track in Portugal, primarily focusing on KERS work with the 23K and collecting data from the new venue.
Ferrari had Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa on duty once again. The Maranello duo continued to work on finding the best set-up for the F2008 fitted with slick tyres and new development components aimed at next season. The Finn also carried on with the endurance test of the 056 engine.
Fernando Alonso concentrated on acclimatising to the 2009 slick tyres as Renault evaluated some suspension set-up options and added further mileage to various components.
The French team now returns to the factories in Enstone and Viry to concentrate its efforts on the development of the R29, which will make its first appearance in January.
"It was a good day as we continued to add miles to the car and to understand the tyres," said Alonso. "We maximised the time on the track and managed to do a lot of laps as well as some basic-set-up work. I have already been doing a lot of physical work to get ready for next year and so spending a couple of days in the car this week was another important part of my preparation and has helped me get back up to speed. I'm now looking forward to testing the new car in January."
"Another productive day which went smoothly with no major problems on the car," added Christian Silk. "Fernando had a busy programme and did a lot of laps once again, and so we completed all the main things that we needed to. It's nice to end our 2008 testing season on a high as the test team have done a great job this year so thanks for all their efforts. We now look forward to the New Year as we get ready for a busy winter developing the new car."
For Williams, Nico Rosberg continued with set-up work and slick tyre development in preparation for next season. The German was one of the busiest drivers today, completing 130 laps.
"It was a good test for the team," said Rosberg. "My two days were probably more productive than those earlier in the week as the conditions were more consistent and therefore conducive to testing.
"We managed to cover a lot of ground," he continued, "mainly on some important mechanical developments for '09, and for which we got some clear results, which is good. We also spent time learning the new aero components and the slick tyres. I covered a lot of laps on both days which is always useful and we had no reliability issues, which is great considering how many new parts we're running. Overall it was a positive test."
Running with their interim cars, which feature a 2008 chassis and engine configuration with some body work complying with the 2009 regulations, BMW continued its development programme.
After sitting out the chilly early morning, when temperatures of around five degrees Celsius made any meaningful testing impossible, Robert Kubica and Christian Klien worked on the mechanical set-up of the F1.08B. Both drivers also carried out tyre evaluations for the different compounds of the 2009 slicks.
"I could do a lot of laps today and covered nearly 600 kms, which was very good," said Robert Kubica. "Our main goal at this stage is to understand what we can do with the set-up options for next year's car."