Sauber day two Barcelona recap

Barcelona Test
Circuit de Catalunya, Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Weather: Wet initially, drying, then wet again
Temperature: Track 15; Air 14
Distance: 59 laps, 279 kms

Team Sauber Petronas began its campaign in the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship with a three-day test at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya just outside Barcelona today. Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa both drove interim versions of the 2001 C20, pending the official launch of the 2002 C21 on January 25. Nick covered 35 laps for the 10th fastest time of 1m 29.695s, Felipe 24 laps for the 14th best time of 1m 31.316s. Both drivers also tested the HANS Head and Neck Support system.

Jacky Eeckelaert (Head of Vehicle Engineering): "It feels good to be back at work at a race track after the winter months spent back at the factory. Unfortunately our running today was not helped by the changeable weather which meant that our lap times were not indicative of our true performance."

Nick Heidfeld: "Although the weather hasn't been great, it feels good to be back in the car for the first time since Suzuka in October, 10 weeks ago. I had great fun with the car today, working on a variety of set-ups, and evaluating different damper settings this morning, aerodynamic and gearbox work this afternoon. All went well."

Felipe Massa: "Despite the weather I had a very positive day, which included a tyre test programme this afternoon."

-sp-