Williams Barcelona test notes 2004-02-02

BMW WilliamsF1 Team drivers Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gené began another five day test programme at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, today.

The start of the session was delayed this morning as a result of fog which grounded the emergency helicopter. However, conditions improved throughout the day with temperatures reaching 19° C in the afternoon.

Both Ralf and Marc were at the wheel of a WilliamsF1 BMW FW26, and concentrated on mechanical and aerodynamic set-ups.

Ralf, who has fully recovered from the abdominal pains he suffered during the test at Valencia last week, completed 64 laps and posted a best time of 1:16.016. Marc completed 59 laps and set a personal best of 1:15.296.

Tim Newton (Test Team Manager, WilliamsF1):

"Despite the delay this morning due to the heavy fog, we've had a productive session during our first day at Barcelona. Ralf shook down the new, third chassis of the FW26 and then finished the day setting up the car. Marc similarly completed set up work on the second FW26 as well as practising starts and performing some longer runs."

Tomorrow Nelson Piquet will assist Ralf and Marc with testing duties.

-williams-