Tyrrell tests at Silverstone

For immediate release: 23 June 1995

Intensive Pre-France Tests for Nokia-Tyrrell-Yamaha

The Nokia-Tyrrell-Yamaha team undertook an intensive test programme in preparation for the French Grand Prix on July 1995. The team tested for three days earlier this week at Pembrey and Friday at Silverstone with two Tyrrell Yamaha 023 cars for Ukyo Katayama and Gabriele Tarquini.

Harvey Postlethwaite, Managing Director - Engineering, commented: "We had a heavy test programme this week. we tested suspension modifications, front and rear. Both Ukyo and Gabriele reported good improvement in the balance of the car. The ride quality and traction are also improved."

Ukyo Katayama said: "I am satisfied with the work and the progress we have made during this busy week. Now I am confident we can put on a better performance at the French Grand Prix. I am highly motivated to do well after the difficult start I had this season. The Magny-Cours circuit looks like a mickey mouse track but it is good because it has some fast corners. Magny-Cours has good memories for me because back in 1986 I was on pole position for the Formula Renault race on the old circuit."

Mika Salo, who is recovering from minor surgery, commented: "I haven t raced at Magny-Cours so I don t know the circuit. I have seen pictures and the tarmac looks very smooth. It seems there are lots of medium and low speed corners and the 023 should perform well. Last Monday, I had a small sinus operation because I couldn t breathe properly. Everything went well and I will be fit for the French Grand Prix."

Test driver Gabriele Tarquini was delighted to be back in the 023 cockpit and said: "We tested a lot of things during those three days in Wales and made good progress. Pembrey was good because, like Magny-Cours, the circuit has two tight hairspins which are a very good test for traction. It was important that we made improvements to the car for traction, sensitivity on the bumps or on a slippery track."

"It was fantastic to drive a F1 car again for three days in a row at Pembrey - and then another at Silverstone on Friday - because I can get a better feeling for the 023. It is a great opportunity for me to improve my driving and give better information to the team. I was OK physically and had no problems because the circuit at Pembrey is not too hard."

Mike Gascoyne, Deputy Technical Director commented Magny-Cours circuit: "Magny-Cours is one of the most difficult tracks of the year. It s a very tight, twisting circuit, although there is a very quick left and then a long right hander after the start-finish straight. It s also a circuit where the track conditions are notorious for changing rapidly, so it is quite difficult to achieve a good balance with the chassis. Cars will be running maximum down force. It is important for the car to have good down force, good bottom end power from the engine and also good high speed balance through and out of the quick corner onto the long back straight."