Tyre evaluation for Doornbos

BUSY TYRE EVALUATION PROGRAMME FOR ROBERT AT MAGNY-COURS

Robert Doornbos enjoyed two positive Free Practises ahead of the French Grand Prix. Under tropical conditions, Red Bull Racing's test - and reservedriver lapped the 4,411 meter long 'Circuit de Nevers Magny Cours' 48 times today. Divided over both long and short runs, Doornbos mainly focussed on evaluating tyres.

Robert Doornbos.

Photo by xpb.cc.

As usual, Doornbos was again a steady top 10 contender in both sessions. He eventually finished the day in eighth position by setting a best laptime of 1:18.175.

In the morning session between 11:00 and 12:00 o'clock Doornbos completed four short runs of approximately five laps each in order to test both the soft and the hard compound tyres Michelin brought with them for this weekend.

At the end of the first session, Doornbos also practised several starts and pitstops. After the lunch break, the 24-year old Dutchman continued his tyre evaluation programme with two long runs on a high fuel load. Next to this, Doornbos also successfully competed some set-up work on his RB2.

Robert Doornbos:

"I enjoyed quite a positive day, though it was really hot out there! With a track temperature of more than 50 degrees Celsius, it's going to be very important to select the right compound of tyres. Therefore I'm happy to have made a valuable contribution for the team."

"I think both Michelin tyres will be competitive here, but we still have some question marks about when to expect the 'drop-off'. That's what we're planning to find out now. I hope David and Christian will again be able to fight for points this weekend!"

-www.robertdoornbos.com-