Hard work for Ferrari in testing

An intensive week of testing for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro came to an end last Saturday at Fiorano. All four drivers were involved: Luca Badoer and Rubens Barrichello ran at Barcelona, while Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher alternated working at Mugello and Fiorano.

The total distance covered was 4252 kilometres. The technical programme took an overall 360 degree view of the car-engine-Bridgestone tyre package. The impressions gathered over the five days can be described as positive, as confirmed by the Managing Director of the Gestione Sportiva, Jean Todt.

"This was the last week of testing prior to a break of around six weeks and we worked very hard to improve the car itself and all its component parts. Our technical partners, especially Bridgestone and Shell worked flat out alongside us."

"We were able to see an improvement in the performance of the F2003-GA, as well as some interesting developments in terms of tyre performance. We can therefore prepare to tackle the race at Silverstone in reasonably optimistic mood, while not forgetting that our main rivals will be very competitive."

The 052 engine also underwent testing at Mugello, with Felipe Massa completing a race distance simulation last Wednesday. "We tried out a few new things to improve not only performance, through various engineering changes, but also driveability, using different mappings, which we will use in the course of the next few races," said Paulo Martinelli, the head of the Scuderia's Engine department.

"As usual, our suppliers played an important role: with Shell we tried a new fuel, while along with Magneti Marelli we experimented with a few electronic solutions."

A new aerodynamic package was tried, first in Barcelona and then at Fiorano, which brought about an overall improvement in car performance. "We have made progress," commented Technical Director Ross Brawn. "Bridgestone brought some interesting solutions for the coming races; nothing revolutionary, but definitely a significant improvement. In addition, we also looked at various options for controlling traction which I think can be a help."

Tomorrow at Fiorano, Luca Badoer will make use of the fifty kilometres of running allowed in the regulations for a final shake down of electronic solutions which will be used this coming weekend at Silverstone.

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