2008 British Grand Prix Free Practice Report
Adrian Sutil (car 20, VJM01/02):
FP1: 18th 1:22.169 (16 laps)
FP2: 19th 1:21.756 (30 laps)
Giancarlo Fisichella (car 21, VJM01/05):
FP1: 19th 1:22.219 (19 laps)
FP2: 16th 1:21.520 (42 laps)
4 July 2008 - The Force India Formula One Team started its
preparations for this weekend's British Grand Prix today at
an unusually warm and sunny Silverstone Circuit. Following
a successful three-day test at the same track last week, the
team completed further mileage with its major new aerodynamic
and mechanical package, including a new inertia damper, front
wing, sidepods and 'shark's fin' engine cover.
With dry conditions today but rain predicted over the weekend,
work focused on gathering more information on this new package
and comparing the tyres compounds available this weekend.
Giancarlo Fisichella completed a total of 61 laps over the
day, recording the 19th and 16th quickest times in the morning
and afternoon sessions respectively, just over 1.5secs from
the fastest time of the day and within five tenths of a second
from 10th position.
Adrian Sutil also had productive practice sessions, putting
in 46 laps of the 5.141km Northamptonshire circuit as he too
completed his scheduled programme.
Adrian Sutil (car 20)
'Overall not such a bad day. We did some positive work this
morning with the damper, it feels quite good and now we have
to decide whether we use it or not for the race, but I feel
pretty confident when we do run it. Aero wise there was an
improvement carried over from the test, about two or three
tenths, but overall I think I can improve everything a little
bit more for tomorrow. I saw the potential today and on different
laps I've had sectors that have looked quite good, now we
just have to put it all together.'
Giancarlo Fisichella (car 21)
'It was a normal Friday for us. We have made a small step
forward with the new package and over the longer runs there
seems to be a more consistent balance and under braking the
car feels more stable. We're getting there, but the other
teams have also made some improvements and there is still
some work to do. We will have to see what happens tomorrow
with the predicted rain.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer
'A very productive day, with no real problems on either car,
really just working through tyre comparisons and set up options
for the weekend. We ran the front inertial damper for the
first time on both cars, and the performance seemed positive.
Overall the package of improvements we've got here seem to
be working well and we appear to be closer to the midfield
group. We just have to see what the weather brings for the
next two days.'
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