Sauber Valencia test notes 2004-01-16

Team Sauber Petronas completed its three-day test at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo today. Felipe Massa in chassis C23-01 ran 65 laps with a best time of 1:11.271.

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Today it was very windy at the track, which meant that we didn't have such good weather conditions as yesterday. We mainly worked on different set-ups for Felipe, which particularly focused on the mechanical side, but we also began to experiment with aerodynamic set-ups. Later in the day we continued with our Bridgestone work which was scheduled for all three test days, and started to examine the latest tyre compounds. Unfortunately we were forced to stop the test due to a fuel supply problem."

"Overall we are happy with the outcome of the past three days. On Wednesday we successfully completed the roll-out of the C23, and on Thursday and today we met our set targets too. These results generate a good basis and leave us feeling confident about our forthcoming tests."

Felipe Massa:

"Today I had the first chance to compare the C23 with the C22, which I drove yesterday. I must say that the new car feels pretty good. In comparison to last year's Sauber Petronas the downforce is better and the grip level is good too."

"Unfortunately we could not finish our Bridgestone tyre programme due to the problem with the fuel supply, but I'm happy that I could run some laps at least and learn something about the car. Although the heavy wind gave us completely different weather conditions than yesterday, I am happy with what we have done today and look forward to Barcelona."

Felipe Massa
Chassis: Sauber Petronas C23-01
65 laps, 260.325 kilometres
Best time: 1:11.271

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