Barcelona Test: Day 1
Location: Circuito de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Drivers: Olivier Panis, Ricardo Zonta
Track Length: 4.627kms
With just ten days remaining before the F1 paddock gathers
for the first race on the European continent, Panasonic Toyota
Racing was in action today alongside almost all of its rivals
in Barcelona. With nine teams testing, the track was quite
busy. Nevertheless, Oliver Panis and Ricardo Zonta started
out the team's test programme by working on such items as
aerodynamics, tyre construction and electronics. Tomorrow,
Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will be on hand to continue
the test agenda.
TRAFFIC JAM
Ricardo Zonta, returning from a positive test at Paul Ricard,
feels that the team is making good progress.
Ricardo Zonta - Chassis TF106/01
Best lap time: 1m15.426s
Total laps: 88
Total distance: 407.176kms
"It was a very good day in general. We worked on short
runs, concentrating on tyre testing and aerodynamics. This
is the first time that I have driven the 'new' car in Barcelona,
since it was released in Vallelunga. It was very difficult
with so many drivers on the track to get a clean lap, but
in the end, we had a good time and were happy with the results.
The car is showing potential and we still have a lot to do,
but we are definitely moving ahead well."
GETTING USED TO IT
Olivier Panis points out that he is getting used to the car
and gaining a feeling for the Bridgestone tyres.
Olivier Panis - Chassis TF106/03
Best lap time: 1m16.812s
Total laps: 71
Total distance: 328.517kms
"We worked on some electronics and had planned to work
on some tyre testing, but due to some red flag delays during
the day and we did not finish every item we wanted to get
through. However, the team worked hard and we did our best
to put in 71 laps. At the end of the day I can say that I
am still adapting to the car and the tyres. I am working on
getting a good feeling for the balance to be able to give
useful feedback. We can see from Ricardo that the car drives
well and can be quick, but it is just a matter for me to carry
on the tests and prepare the car for the next races. With
each test, there is progress and I am confident everything
is coming along."
RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT, GO
Chief Engineer Race and Test, Dieter Gass was
pleased to report a useful first day in Barcelona.
"It was a productive day with both cars. Ricardo was
successful in gaining results on the tyres and aerodynamics
and with Olivier we were working on electronic items. A lot
of testing was hampered today by red flags and traffic, which
was disturbing when we were trying to run our tyre tests.
Yet, we managed to get through most of the work, both drivers
were pushing hard and there are some very clear directions
to focus on for the coming races."
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