Paul Ricard Test: Round-Up
Location: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France
Drivers: Ralf Schumacher (16-17), Jarno Trulli (16-17), Ricardo
Zonta (18-19), Olivier Panis (18-19) Track Length: Solution
2D-SC 3.593km (16-17), Solution 1E-SC 5.216km (18-19)
Drivers:
Track Solution 2D-SC:
Jarno Trulli
Best lap: 1m05.624s, total laps: 260
Ralf Schumacher
Best lap: 1m06.333s, total laps: 216
Track Solution 1E-SC
Ricardo Zonta
Best lap: 1m26.261, total laps: 189
Olivier Panis
Best lap: 1m27.037, total laps: 117
Panasonic Toyota Racing concluded its four-day test programme
at Paul Ricard today. All four drivers were on hand to experience
and analyze the B-car specification that will be introduced
for the first time at next weekend's race on the street circuit
of Monte Carlo. The test programme concentrated on finding
the right set-up and balance for each driver in addition to
working on tyre choices for the coming races in Monaco and
Canada.
Jarno Trulli - Chassis TF106/06B
Best Lap Time Day 1: 1m05.752s
Laps: 117
Best Lap Time Day 2: 1m05.624s
Laps: 143
Total Distance: 934.18km
"I was happy to finally get some mileage in the new
car. Last test here I did not do much running as we did not
have enough parts. However, after this test, I can say that
the car is showing potential. It has a stiffer monocoque and
structure and I feel more grip with this car. We mainly worked
on set-up so I could get used to the car and my times show
that we were pretty good in comparison to the other teams.
Additionally we did some tyre testing for the Monte Carlo
Grand Prix. Monaco is always challenging and I have some good
memories there, so we look forward to the race and will work
to improve on our results."
Ralf Schumacher - Chassis TF106/07B
Best Lap Time Day 1: 1m07.009s
Laps: 104
Best Lap Time Day 2: 1m06.333s
Laps: 112
Total Distance: 776.088km
"This test was important for us, in order for me to
gain more experience with the new car. I believe we made good
progress and although the B-car specification is not a whole
new aerodynamic package, it should nevertheless help us gain
a few tenths in time over the long run. Apart from tyre tests
for Monaco, we also tried different set-up variations, allowing
me to better calculate the car's behaviour. All in all it
was a good test, and we hope to see the positive effects of
this new specification next weekend."
Ricardo Zonta - Chassis TF106/06B
Best Lap Time Day 1: 1m26.261s
Laps: 101
Best Lap Time Day 2: 1m27.239s
Laps: 88
Total Distance: 985.824km
"Over the two days I was driving, we were working on
preparations for Canada on a track with very long straights
which are similar to the circuit in Montreal. Today, we had
a lot of wind to deal with, but this actually helped us to
determine which tyres and aerodynamic set-up are needed under
such grip conditions. The balance on the car has improved
a lot, and I like how the car feels when it drives. We did
not have any major problems with my car, so the test went
well for me."
Olivier Panis - Chassis TF106/07B
Best Lap Time Day 1: 1m27.037s
Laps: 82
Best Lap Time Day 2: 1m27.143s
Laps: 35
Total Distance: 610.272km
"It was good for me to be back and especially to be
in the new car. Yesterday I was feeling really comfortable
working with the set-up and we have found some solutions that
work well for me. Today, we had a few issues with the engine,
which caused us to finish early, but these were normal test
items. In the end, I am also more confident with the tyres
and grip, having better results with the tyre warm-up. This
specification seems pretty promising, but we will have to
see how it handles on the streets of Monaco, which can be
pretty tricky."
Pascal Vasselon, Senior General Manager Chassis:
"We focused on further testing of the B-car specification
at Paul Ricard this week. This new specification is more a
development of the structure of the car, than a new aerodynamic
package, with front mechanical grip improvement being one
of the major goals. The track was set up the first two days
to simulate the coming race in Monte Carlo, with both race
drivers working on their set-up of each car. With this track
solution, we could get an idea of how the car would react
and what choice of tyres we will need for the race. For the
last two days we used a different track solution, which was
a longer course with two long straights to simulate and help
prepare the race in Montreal. Test drivers Olivier Panis and
Ricardo Zonta were driving the cars for the first time, also
getting used to the new specification. Overall, this is a
continuous development on the car and we are always pushing
to improve on performance and our package."
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