Australian GP: Arrows Friday notes

Australian Grand Prix - Free Practice
1st March 2002
Melbourne (Albert Park)

The 2002 Formula One season got underway in Melbourne, Australia, today. OrangeArrows drivers, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Enrique Bernoldi, finished the free practice sessions in 19th and 21st positions respectively.

Both drivers put in a competitive showing in the changeable conditions this morning as the team began its 2002 campaign. The afternoon session was run in mostly dry conditions. Enrique stopped on the track during the session with a small gearbox problem whilst Heinz-Harald concentrated on set-up work for Sunday's race.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen
Position: 19th
Best Time: 1:32.465
No. of laps: 26
Chassis No.: A23-01
T-Car Chassis: A23-03

"We got some good work done this morning in the wet conditions. It's quite interesting to run here in the wet as this is one of the few times we have seen rain here in Melbourne. I had a small problem with the car but nothing we can't fix. It's not a good idea to try to judge our competitiveness by today's times, we really have to wait until tomorrow for that."

Enrique Bernoldi
Position: 21st
Best Time: 1:32.912
No. of laps: 20
Chassis No.: A23-02

"The morning session went really well for me today. The car felt good on a wet and intermediate set-up so I'm pleased about that. I had a gearbox problem in the second session, which is a shame as it stopped me early on but we still have time tomorrow to finish the work we need to do. I have to say that overall I am pretty happy with the progress we have made so far."

Tom Walkinshaw, Team Principal, OrangeArrows

"Today's sessions went pretty much as we planned. The times were quick this morning so the car looks to be in good shape. Enrique did some good work this morning but had a small gearbox problem during the afternoon session. Heinz-Harald has settled in extremely well with the team and we're happy with what he has done today. He was running on full tanks this afternoon in case the race is dry and we get more rain tomorrow. This also meant we could check the brakes on high fuel loads."

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent rain showers. Maximum ambient temperature 18?C.

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