Williams Imola test summary 2004-02-24/26

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team concluded a three day test programme at Imola today, the team's final session before the Formula One season kicks off in Melbourne on 7th March.

Team drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya were on hand to perform testing duties, with Ralf in the cockpit on Tuesday and Juan Pablo taking over the FW26 on Wednesday and Thursday.

Freezing conditions and heavy rain hampered much of the test, however, the team managed to work through the scheduled programme, completing final set-up work for the season opener.

Over the winter testing period, the team has covered over 20,000 kilometres in 33 days on five different European circuits to prepare the FW26 for its race debut.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):

"Today we finished the winter testing programme at Imola, spending the three days focusing on final systems checks before the first race next weekend. We also accumulated some important information on tyre and car performance around San Marino ahead of the Grand Prix here in two months' time."

"It's been a long, but productive, couple of months testing during which we have uncovered and solved many faults on the FW26. Everyone in the team has worked really hard over the winter and dedicated a lot of time and effort into the development of the car to ensure we have a really good start to the season."

Mario Theissen(BMW Motorsport Director):

"The final test before the start of the season was seriously affected by poor weather conditions. Imola proved to be a more appropriate testing ground for the Nürburgring race than for the three forthcoming overseas races which are expected to be much warmer."

"The adverse conditions were a perfect opportunity, however, to do some fine tuning on the traction control system. With no problems experienced on the engine side, we are now looking forward to travelling to Melbourne for the first Grand Prix of the season."

-williams-