Italian GP Tyrrell preview

1 September 1995 Preview Italian Grand Prix Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha to Confirm Belgian Improvements

Following its improved performance in the Belgian Grand Prix, the Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha team tested on Wednesday and Thursday at Silverstone with Ukyo Katayama, Mika Salo and two 023 cars in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix. Mika drove over 100 laps and his best time was 1 min 30.88 sec. Ukyo drove 83 laps and recorded a time of 1 min 31.75 sec on old tyres. "We had a good productive two day test and continued the development work and the progress showed in Belgium," said Harvey Postlethwaite, Managing Director - Engineering: "We successfully ran the new Tyrrell fly-by-wire throttle. We also worked on dampers with the support of Koni and made some significant changes to the ride quality of the car. In Monza, we will use the latest C spec Yamaha engine both in qualifying and in the race. Both cars will also contain the latest suspension developments from Belgium and this test."

Ukyo Katayama commented: "I am delighted to go back to Monza. I love fast circuits and it brings back good memories because last year I had my best race in Formula 1 when I fought with the leading Williams and the Ferraris until my front brake disc broke. We've had a difficult season but the team has been working very hard and the car is getting better and better. It was really good in Spa when on slicks in the wet I was setting the same lap times as Schumacher..."

Mika Salo said: "Monza is the last circuit of the World Championship where I haven't driven before. I proved this year I can learn circuits very quickly but it will be good to know that after Monza I will be on the same level as the other guys. Then it will be interesting because I will be able to work straight away on the set-up of the car in the first practice session. I am happy to go back to Italy. I like the country, I like the food, the fans and the girls..."

Mike Gascoyne, Deputy Technical Director: "Monza is one of the fastest circuits in the season. It's a combination of challenging chicanes with difficult high speed corners. Cars will be running low down force configuration. At Monza, it is very important to have good engine performance and a good low drag aerodynamic configuration. It is also crucial to have the stability under braking combined with a good high speed balance in the low down force configuration for the quick corners. Last year we went very well at Monza with the 022 car because we had a good aerodynamic balance. I am sure we will confirm our strong performance from Belgium and will continue to progress."

The Italian Grand Prix will be held on the 5.00 kms / 3.604 miles Monza circuit near Milan. The 53 lap 307.400 kms / 191.050 miles race will start at 15.00 hours local time on Sunday 10 September and is expected to last 1 hour 30 minutes.