Force India Valencia test notes 2008-01-24

FISICHELLA BRINGS VALENCIA TEST TO A CLOSE

Giancarlo Fisichella completed a highly productive day of testing today to bring Force India Formula One Team's three-day test to a close in Valencia.

The Italian was able to complete 96 laps with a programme that included work on set-up, dampers, some minor new set-up components and continued honing of the new ECU. His best time was just under two seconds from the front, demonstrating a marked improvement in the team's relative pace over the three days. Giancarlo was unfortunate however not to better this time as a small mechanical problem at the very close of the day prevented him completing a new tyre run.

The next test will take place in Barcelona from 1 - 3 February. Giancarlo will drive on day one, Tonio on the second, with Adrian finishing the test.

Team quotes

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer

'It was an excellent final day today and, apart from one minor mechanical issue right at the end of the day, we had no real reliability issues and were able to complete our programme. Giancarlo and the team improved throughout the day, completing work on set-up and dampers as planned, and it was just a shame that this improvement was not reflected in a better time as we were not able to run new tyres due to the problem at the end. Overall though a very useful three-day test for us at this stage in development.'

Giancarlo Fisichella

'It was a good day today and we were able to complete the programme. Apart from the small problem at the end there were no issues and we could see we were getting closer to the others. We did some set-up work, and got some more understanding of the dampers and made some changes to the ride height, which made the car a lot more consistent. Even with lots of fuel and scrubbed tyres we were closer to the other teams - it would have been interesting to see how close we got - but we are definitely making progress and going in the right direction. I'm pleased with how it's going.'

Testing data
Driver: Giancarlo Fisichella
Track: Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo, Spain
Best lap time: 1min 12.976
Laps completed: 98
Kilometres completed: 385km
Air temperature: High of 17C
Track temperature: High of 21C
Weather: Dry throughout

-credit: force india