Minardi Misano test notes 2002-04-05

MISANO, ITALY, April 5, 2002

In near-perfect spring weather, KL Minardi Asiatech today tested at the Misano-Adriatico Circuit, in eastern Italy, as part of its preparations for next weekend's San Marino Grand Prix. Mark Webber spent the day at the wheel of a current PS02 chassis, working through a busy technical programme that included assessing new front suspension geometry and brake cooling arrangements, plus traction control and launch control software.

The team's technical staff pronounced the test highly productive, having completed the full range of planned tasks for the day. Aside from being the team's "home" race - the Minardi factory is only a short distance from Imola's famous Circuit Enzo e Dino Ferrari - this year's San Marino Grand Prix has special significance, as it will mark the Italian squad's 275th start in Formula One World Championship competition. Alex Yoong is today travelling to Austria, where he will be driving one of four two-seater F1 cars this weekend at the A-1 Ring, as part of the European Minardi programme of bringing Grand Prix racing closer to the general public. Also participating will be team owner, Paul Stoddart, and European Minardi F3000 drivers, Alex Sperafico and David Saelens.

MARK WEBBER

"Today's test went well and allowed us to collect some good data. We made quite a few changes to the car in the course of the day and the lads did these quickly, which allowed us to maximise our track time. We worked mainly on software, and this is the first time we've run a test with all of the systems working together, which is important for us. It has been a useful exercise."

PAUL STODDART, Team Principal

"Following on from the team's tremendous result in the Australian Grand Prix, it's nice to be back testing in Europe. It's also particularly pleasing to have been able to use this session at Misano to sort out a couple of small technical 'bugs' that have affected our performance slightly in the first three races of the year. We now look forward to the start of the European Formula One season in Imola next weekend, and are aiming to pick up some more points in the coming races."

Weather: sunny, cool breeze
Air temperature: 18C
Track temperature: 23C

Driver: Mark Webber (AUS)
Chassis allocated: KL Minardi Asiatech PS02- 03
Laps completed: 39
Fastest lap: 1 min 13.415 secs

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