Prost Barcelona test

After the promising shakedown of its new car, the AP04, in Magny-Cours last week, the Prost Grand Prix team completed a two day test session at the Barcelona circuit on Monday and Tuesday. Jean Alesi drove yesterday, and Gaston Mazzacane was at the wheel the AP04 for the first time today.

The team is very satisfied with the work accomplished these two days, and especially with the overall reliability of the car. On Monday, Jean Alesi completed 15 laps, setting his best time of 1'22''413, without any problem, apart from a slight oil leak and a fuel pressure problem that enduced an engine change. Today Gaston Mazzacane had a trouble free day and drove 44 laps, with a best time of 1'24''687.

Jean Alesi: "Although I could not run a lot, it was enough to have a first impression of the car and my feeling is very positive. The car is full of potential, very stable and easy to drive. The engine has already proved his reliability and level of performance, and I am very happy with its driveability."

Gaston spent his first day getting acquainted with the car and the team, particularly with his engineer, Jean-Francois Sinteff. He mainly worked on improving his comfort in the car, and tried different mechanical set-ups.

Gaston Mazzacane: "I am very happy with my first testing day. Everyone in the team has paid a lot of attention to me and we already communicate easily. My objective was to feel as good as possible in the car, and to discover its behaviour. I discovered many different things today and my first impressions are very good. The engine appears to be very smooth. I feel confident and I look forward to be back on the track next Sunday."

The team will stay in Barcelona to resume testing on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 with Gaston Mazzacane, then with Jean Alesi on Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st, to continue the AP04 developement programme.