Williams Barcelona test notes 2004-01-19

It was the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's test driver Marc Gené who set the pace on the first day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, today.

The five day test got underway with BMW WilliamsF1 Team drivers Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gené the only drivers in action. The session began in freezing conditions but improved throughout the day, with temperatures reaching 13 degrees.

Ralf, at the wheel of the WilliamsF1 BMW FW26, worked on set ups in the morning before concentrating on traction control tests in the afternoon. The German also carried out a number of simulated race starts. Ralf completed 51 laps, posting a best time of 1:16.171.

Marc also ran in an FW26, the Spaniard focusing on tyre evaluations for Michelin. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team test driver completed 76 laps in the course of which he posted the fastest time of the day, 1:15.931.

Tim Newton (Test Team Manager, WilliamsF1):

"We had a very cold start to the day, with the ambient temperature reaching as low as -1°C this morning. With a track temperature of only 1°C, running was minimal in the morning. Greater progress was achieved in the afternoon, however, with both Ralf and Marc in the FW26, Ralf running chassis two for the first time. Marc completed some tyre testing for Michelin while Ralf spent the day shaking down the new car."

Ralf continues testing tomorrow, with Juan Pablo replacing Marc. Nico Rosberg will join the team on Wednesday and Friday.

-williams-