BAR Monza/Lurcy test notes 2003-09-02

After the testing ban imposed a six-week break in track-based development work for the F1 teams, BAR threw the full weight of its resource behind the new testing period today as it commenced simultaneous three-day tests in Monza, Italy and Lurcy ...

After the testing ban imposed a six-week break in track-based development work for the F1 teams, B*A*R threw the full weight of its resource behind the new testing period today as it commenced simultaneous three-day tests in Monza, Italy and Lurcy Levis in France.

In preparation for next week's Italian Grand Prix, the team has three cars and its full line-up of race and test drivers present in Monza, the schedule for which is as follows:

Day One - Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato
Day Two - Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato
Day Three - Jacques Villeneuve,Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson

Over the course of the test, the team will conduct comprehensive development work on all areas of the car, including aerodynamics, engine and intensive tyre evaluation with team partner Bridgestone.

On day one, Jacques Villeneuve focused on tyre assessment, whilst also working on set-up for the Grand Prix. He completed 83 laps and posted the seventh fastest time of the day, a 1:22.636.

Jenson Button also completed 83 laps of the legendary Monza track, and recorded a best lap time of 1:22.610, the 5th fastest of the day. His day was spent concentrating on tyre evaluation with Bridgestone and aerodynamic developments for the next race.

Takuma Sato recorded only 30 laps on his first day as he waited for his car to be prepared then spun off the track during the afternoon. His best time was a 1:23.151.

Over the border in Lurcy Levis, Central France, 28-year-old Townsend Bell got his first taste of Formula One when he commenced day one of his inaugural F1 test. Currently driving for the Arden International team in Formula 3000, the American was invited by B*A*R to conduct three days of straight-line aerodynamic testing.

Commenting on his first day at the wheel of the B*A*R Honda 005, Townsend commented: "Today was amazing. It's the fastest car I've ever driven. I was too busy smiling to be too analytical on the first run, but it was great gradually working up to higher speeds. I'm really looking forward to the next couple of days."