Prost Silverstone test 2001-04-19

The Prost Acer team completed yesterday a three-day session at the Silverstone circuit. The technical programme was mostly concentrated on testing the new electric systems which will be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona, 29th April) . The team worked intensively with Michelin on tyres development.

In spite of Jean Alesi's shunt on his first day, which damaged the car and very unstable weather conditions , it was a very productive session for Prost Acer. The team ran 1200 kilometres in three days and collected valuable data in preparation for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

This week brought some news to the Team, as Prost Grand Prix appointed Formula 3 Champion Jonathan Cochet as official test driver. The young French had his first run on the Prost Acer AP04 on Wednesday and Thursday morning. The whole team was very impressed with Jonathan's excellent work and feedback, considering this was his first time in a Formula One car and at the Silverstone circuit.

On Thursday afternoon, following an agreement between Prost Acer and Jaguar Racing, Brazilian Luciano Burti, who will be Jean Alesi's new team-mate for the rest of the 2001 season, ran few laps with the AP04 and met his new team.

Today, 25 year-old Luciano, was already at the Prost Grand Prix factory in Saint Quentin en Yvelines to make his seat, to prepare his driving position in view of next week's Barcelona Grand Prix, his first race with Prost Acer and to meet the whole Prost Grand Prix staff.

His first impressions: "It all went so fast! Yesterday I had just realised what was happening when I was already doing some laps in my new car. It was too short to get a real feeling for the car, but everything went smooth. The team was very helpful and I felt immediately welcomed."

"Today at the factory," he continued, "I was very impressed with Prost Grand Prix's structures and personnel. Now I look forward to the Barcelona Grand Prix, even though, being my first real time in the AP04, I will have a lot to learn. But starting from the next race in Austria (13th May), I hope to be competitive and perform to my best".

Tuesday 17: Jean Alesi - 5 laps - No lap time

Gaston Mazzacane - 43 laps - 1'25''828

Wednesday 18: Jean Alesi - 66 laps - 1'26''186

Jonathan Cochet - 33 laps - 1'27''875

Thursday 19 : Jean Alesi - 60 laps - 1'24''575

Jonathan Cochet - 19 laps - 1'26''614

Luciano Burti - 5 laps - No lap time

-Prost