Minardi Valencia test notes 2004-01-27

European Minardi Cosworth today opened its 2004 testing account in satisfying fashion at this challenging 4.005-km circuit near Valencia. The Faenza-based team spent the day working through a busy programme involving the assessment of hardware and software for the team's 2004 car.

Regular race driver, Gianmaria Bruni, drove the single PS04-b chassis present in Spain, and will hand over to newly signed team mate, Zsolt Baumgartner, on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. The Hungarian driver will be having his first run for European Minardi in Valencia.

Gianmaria Bruni:

"I am pretty satisfied with the first day of testing here in Valencia. The car is much better than in Vallelunga, and this means the guys have done an excellent job preparing the PS04 chassis. I am very happy and looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to do some long runs, as well on concentrate on the new software for 2004."

Andy Tilley, Senior Engineer:

"It has been a very useful opening day to this test. The team has concentrated on evaluating electronic systems, aerodynamic components and suspension parts for its 2004 car, using an interim chassis. We also carried out some assessment work on engine parts for Cosworth. Gianmaria drove throughout the day, completing 76 laps, and apart from a non-damaging spin early on, the programme has gone exactly as planned."

"Zsolt has also been here today, working with his engineers and taking a great interest in everything that is happening in preparation for his first run in the car. We will carry on with our scheduled technical programme tomorrow, and also hope to carry out some tyre testing with Bridgestone."

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal:

"It's pleasing to be back on the track again for the first time since our December test at Vallelunga. The opening day of this week's Valencia test has gone well with Gimmi putting in some solid laps and providing his usual excellent level of feedback. The engineers also report they have collected a useful amount of data in the course of the day."

"Aside from the information gathered, which will help us finalise the specification of a number of components destined for the 2004 European Minardi, the test also provides Gimmi and Zsolt with the opportunity to start settling in with the team prior to the first Grand Prix of the season, in just over five weeks' time."

Gianmaria Bruni
Chassis: PS04-b/04
Laps completed: 76/304.4 kms
Fastest lap: 1 min 12.903 secs

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