BMW Road Atlanta spring training notes

In the inaugural "spring training" session held this weekend by the American LeMans Series, Tom Milner's BMW Team PTG successfully completed a two-day tire test with one of its BMW M3s in preparation for the start of the 2001 racing season at the Texas Motor Speedway, in Ft. Worth, Texas on March 4.

Driving were regular PTG test driver Bill Auberlen and Nic Jonsson, who drove for PTG in 2000. While tires were a priority, the combination of Road Atlanta's long straights and sweeping corners gave Team PTG a chance to fine-tune the aerodynamic balance of the M3 in anticipation of the high-speed circuit in Texas. Both drivers lapped in the 1:24 range, with

Auberlen setting a quick lap of 1:23.4. Yokohama motorsports manager, Chris Miller was pleased with the data gathered, despite cool track temperatures both days.

MILLER: "We brought two different front, and four different rear constructions, looking for some additional performance for the 2001 season. We made some changes to the front tires at the end of last year that we are happy with. Now we are looking to boost the performance of the fronts a little more and substantially more in the rear."

JONSSON: "We got a good baseline on the new construction Yokohamas. To be able to test makes a big difference to me, as last year I only drove at the races. It feels great to be back behind the wheel of the M3."

AUBERLEN: "Coming out of Atlanta, the car is very fast and reliable. Yokohama and I have dealt with each other for many years. I've never had a relationship with any other company that can respond as fast as Yokohama."

MILNER:  "The test went well.  We were about one second off the new Porsche,
which you can expect here, so that's pretty good.  And Texas? Every race we
go to, we go to win.  I think we will be in the hunt."

-BMW-