Australian GP Friday Benetton notes

Australian GP / Free Practice March 05 1999 Chassis Numbers: Car No.9 - Giancarlo Fisichella - Mild Seven Benetton Playlife B199 04 Car No.10 - Alexander Wurz - Mild Seven Benetton Playlife B199 02

In the two practice sessions for the 1999 Australian Grand Prix, Alexander Wurz finished eleventh and Giancarlo Fisichella twelfth.

Alexander Wurz : 11th - 1.34.046 "It was a very difficult first session for me because we had quite a lot of problems, including engine mapping and an oil leak. I couldn't find my rhythm for the circuit at all. In the second session we got rid of most of the initial problems so I could start on my set-up work. I still have a lot of work to do to get the car set up as I want."

Giancarlo Fisichella : 12th - 1:34.135 "Obviously when you look at the times we are not happy with eleventh and twelfth position. However, on my last run I had a lot fuel and I still achieved a good time. I am confident that I will be in the first three rows tomorrow."

Pat Symonds, Technical Director: "I think we can say it was a productive day. It was our first run in hot conditions and no real problems surfaced. Unfortunately, Giancarlo's session was cut short by a problem with his throttle and Alexander was hampered by a slow puncture. Nevertheless, as planned, we gathered a lot of information today that is useful for Sunday."

Spare car: B199/01 set for Alexander Wurz