Minardi Misano test notes 2005-01-19

Weather was once again the dominant factor affecting the second day of the scheduled Minardi Cosworth three-day test at the Autodromo Santamonica, Misano. With the air temperature initially hovering close to the freezing mark, snow gradually turned to heavy rain during the morning, making driving conditions treacherous and any sort of meaningful technical programme difficult.

Minardi technical staff elected to put Christijan Albers on track, however, so the team's new Dutch recruit could complete the relatively short distance required to support his Super-licence application. By the end of the morning, he had covered the necessary 21 laps.

At the start of the afternoon session, and with rain still falling steadily, Nicky Pastorelli ventured on to the track for his delayed test, which had originally been scheduled for yesterday. He managed two four-lap runs before Minardi personnel decided there was little point in continuing. Weather conditions permitting, the team will return to Misano tomorrow to complete the final day of the test.

Christijan Albers:

"There's not really a great deal to say. The weather made it very difficult to drive, and although I was able to complete sufficient laps this morning to fulfil the requirement for my Super-licence, there was very little we could do of any technical significance. Weather permitting, we'll continue with the programme tomorrow, and hopefully, be able to make up for some of the time we've lost."

Nicky Pastorelli:

"It was awesome. I have to say, I was really well prepared thanks to the engineers' instructions. Before getting in the car, they had explained everything to me in detail and I knew exactly what I had to do. Once on the track, everything went well and we were able to complete the assigned laps without damaging the car. Despite the weather, it has been a very positive experience, and I want to thank the whole team for making my job easy. I really hope to be able to continue my relationship with Minardi in the future."

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal:

"We have had an interesting day, even if the weather made it very difficult for both drivers. Christijan was able to complete a long, 21-lap run, which is excellent, since it means he now has some useful experience of a race-stint distance in the wet. Nicky also did a very good job, acclimatising to the car quickly and adapting well to the tricky surface conditions. We now look forward to tomorrow, and hopefully, some better weather."

CHRISTIJAN ALBERS
Chassis: PS04B/04
Best lap: No meaningful time
Total laps: 21
Distance covered: 85.3 km

NICKY PASTORELLI
Chassis: PS04B/04
Best lap: No meaningful time
Total laps: 8
Distance covered: 32.5km

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