Mugello Sauber testing notes 2001-09-21

Team RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS completed a successful four-day test at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello in Italy in preparation for the US Grand Prix next week at the Indianapolis circuit. Purpose of the test was to provide an opportunity for Felipe Massa, the 20 year-old Brazilian, to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time and subsequently for Nick Heidfeld to continue further development of the C20 for the final two overseas races of the season.

Nick Heidfeld covered 130 laps over the two days and completed a scheduled test program today in 51 laps with a fastest time of 1m 23.21s.

Jacky Eeckelaert (Head of Test Team)
We had another fruitful day today. We focused primarily on work on the damping and suspension which necessitated a lot of short runs and was quite time-consuming because of the nature of the adjustments that we were making. We accumulated a great deal of valuable data which is now being evaluated further at Hinwil. We were also able to complete our tire assessment program for Indianapolis with encouraging results.

Nick Heidfeld
Once again we had a very good test. As far as the future is concerned we gathered a lot of useful information for next year´s car while in the short-term our tire testing for Bridgestone leaves me feeling optimistic for next week´s US Grand Prix. Before I leave for Indianapolis, however, I will be visiting tomorrow, the IAA in Frankfurt am Main on behalf of the Team´s sponsor Comroad.