Collard completes first Tyrrell test

FIRST TEST FOR EMMANUEL COLLARD

Emmanuel Collard test the Tyrrell Yamaha 024 for the first time yesterday (Thursday 18 April) during a two day test programme the team was running at Silverstone in preparation for the European and San Marino Grands Prix. Emmanuel joined regular Tyrrell drivers Mika Salo and Ukyo Katayama at the Northamptonshire circuit, setting a best time of 1 min 32.7 in difficult weather conditions.

Ken Tyrrell, Team Principal, said: "It was a great pleasure to have Emmanuel back in a Tyrrell again. He did a good job and drove 29 laps out of a planned 40 lap session before he was stopped by an engine problem. He very quickly got down to a good time in difficult track conditions and strong winds. The objective of this first test was for him to learn the car and he settled into a good rhythm straight away, but we need to get him more comfortable in the cockpit. We are looking forward to working with him in the future."

Emmanuel Collard commented: "It was a good feeling to be back in a Formula 1 car. The day went very well and the atmosphere at Tyrrell Yamaha is really great. You feel part of the team and everybody was very helpful. The first contact with the 024 was good and the Yamaha engine is very drivable. We also started pit stops simulations and I did a start - not bad for a first day! I will return to the factory next week to improve my position in the cockpit with the engineers. I will be at the next two races with the team and test again after Imola."

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