Jerez Test: Day 1
Location: Circuito Permanente de Jerez, Spain
Track Length: 4.428kms
Returning from a hot grand prix at Magny-Cours, Panasonic
Toyota Racing encountered similar conditions at the start
of this week's three-day test programme in Jerez. Third driver
Ricardo Zonta and test driver Olivier Panis were on hand to
work on tyre testing. The team's tyre programme will be the
main focus this week due to the fact that this will be the
last test before the summer break. Therefore, the team will
need to collect data for the next three races, which are all
expected to have high temperatures, thus making a big influence
on the tyre choice. Ricardo and Olivier will continue tomorrow
while race drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will arrive
on Friday to finish off the test week.
Ricardo Zonta - Chassis TF106/06
Best lap time: 1m18.986s
Total laps: 123
Total distance: 544.644kms
"We put in many laps today on a busy track and in these
hot conditions. The car performed well and I did not have
any problems. I worked on long runs the whole day to compare
tyre compounds for the next race. We also did some set-up
work to find a good balance for the car. Tomorrow we are planning
on continuing long runs to take advantage of these condition
for the Hungary race as well."
Olivier Panis - Chassis TF106/10
Best lap time: 1m19.143s
Total laps: 103
Total distance: 456.084kms
"Today we got a lot done and made it through our whole
program. This test is similar to the one before Magny-Cours
in that it is quite hot and we also had some wind to deal
with. Just as Ricardo, I also did some long runs and found
some positive results. We will try to improve tomorrow and
better our lap times, but overall I am happy with today's
work and results."
Gerd Pfeiffer, Test Team Manager
"This week we have to push hard especially having to
gain information for three races. The hot temperatures we
are experiencing here are a big advantage in regards to Hockenheim
and Hungary, which are two races known for being some of the
hottest races in the calendar. Besides testing the performance
of the tyres and learning about the degradation in this heat,
we are also working on smaller race items to prepare and improve
on our reliability."
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