Williams Barcelona test notes 2004-01-20

BMW WilliamsF1 Team drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya topped the timesheets on the second day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona.

After yesterday's freezing conditions, this morning's session began in bright sunshine with temperatures reaching 12 degrees as the day progressed.

After a day of exclusive running yesterday, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team was joined by seven other teams today, increasing the amount of traffic on track. However, over the winter the circuit promoters have widened and re-profiled the entire La Caixa corner. Although this has slightly reduced the lap distance, the opportunities for overtaking have increased.

Ralf began the day working on mechanical set ups, concentrating on the WilliamsF1 BMW FW26's suspension and dampers. In the afternoon he focused on aerodynamic set ups. The German completed 82 laps and at midday posted the fastest time of the day, and a new lap record, 1:15.666.

Juan Pablo worked on mechanical set ups before switching to tyre evaluations in the afternoon. The Colombian completed 84 laps, posting a fastest lap just 0.168 slower than his team-mate.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):

"We've had another progressive day today in Barcelona. In the FW26, Ralf completed some set up work in the morning, with specific focus on the suspension and dampers. Meanwhile, Juan Pablo also spent the morning concentrating on mechanical set ups and in the afternoon tyre compound evaluation with Michelin."

Tomorrow Nico Rosberg will assist Ralf and Juan Pablo with testing duties.

-williams-