European GP: Minardi Friday practice notes

The Friday technical programme for this weekend's Grand Prix of Europe at the Nurburgring took the same basic form as usual for Wilux Minardi Cosworth: fine-tuning of the chassis, software assessment and evaluation of the available tyre choices. Additionally, however, the Faenza squad is trying some new aerodynamic components in Germany this weekend, and race drivers Gianmaria Bruni and Zsolt Baumgartner, as well as the team's official Test Driver, Bas Leinders, all provided useful feedback on the latest developments.

As is normally the case, Leinders was running a slightly different programme from his team mates, but nonetheless, the best lap times recorded today reflect the fact that the team's aerodynamic programme is now beginning to produce positive results and technical progress is being made.

Gianmaria Bruni:

"It has been a positive day. We found a good balance on the tyre that we are likely to choose for qualifying and the race, and I'm also reasonably pleased with my lap time, particularly since it is my first time driving a Formula One car at the Nurburgring. I have to thank the engineers, who really helped me a lot today. I am definitely going to bed early tonight in an effort to get rid of the cold that I picked up after Monaco."

Zsolt Baumgartner:

"We had two positive sessions and found a good chassis balance, so I'm happy with the outcome today. I had a problem with two other cars in the second sector of what should have been my fastest lap this afternoon, but other than that, things went well and I hope we can work on improving further tomorrow."

Bas Leinders:

"Our job today was to try some different set-ups in an effort to find additional chassis stability. Gimmi and Zsolt went in a slightly different direction, and it's clear from the lap times that they found a good solution. As a result, it has been a good day for the team."

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal, Wilux Minardi Cosworth:

"All three drivers performed well today and it's good to see the times reflecting their strong performances. It's also very pleasing that we're beginning to see the benefit of some of the new components developed from our wind tunnel programme as they start to come through the system. This is down to the hard work of the guys back at the factory, and I'd particularly like to thank them for their efforts. Hopefully, we can build on today and carry this performance through the weekend."

GIANMARIA BRUNI
Chassis: PS04B/02 (No.20)
Best lap: 1 min 32.643secs
Position: 21st

ZSOLT BAUMGARTNER
Chassis: PS04B/01 (No.21)
Best lap: 1 min 32.986 secs
Position: 22nd

BAS LEINDERS, Test Driver
Chassis: (spare) PS04B/04
Best lap: 1 min 34.538 secs
Position: 25th

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