Williams Jerez test summary 2003-12-09/12

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team concluded their final test of the year today at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain. Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc Gené were on hand to perform testing duties, and concluded the intensive preparation programme for the imminent introduction of the WilliamsF1 BMW FW26, which will be officially launched on Monday 5th January, 2004, in Valencia.

During the four day test, the team worked on systems and reliability checks of the new gearbox and BMW P84 engine, as well as electronic set up and traction control routines. The wet weather at the start of the week enabled ample testing of the Michelin intermediate and wet tyres.

Ho-Pin Tung joined the team on Thursday, a reward for his outstanding performances in the Formula BMW Asia ADAC Championshp this year. The 21 year old completed 42 laps in a 2002 FW24 and made history as the first ever Chinese driver to test a Formula One car.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):

"We've had another productive test at Jerez this week with Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc Gené, running in the FW25 and FW25B respectively, in readiness for the imminent launch of the FW26. Juan Pablo primarily worked on tyre testing with Michelin and with the unpredictable weather we've been able to test the intermediate and wet weather compounds. In addition, Juan also carried out some set up work and developed some traction control routines."

"Marc, meanwhile, concentrated on systems checks and reliability work with the new engine and gearbox which proved quite productive in highlighting some key areas on which to focus before the FW26 arrives. Towards the end of the test, Marc also completed some tyre testing for Michelin."

"On Thursday, Ho-Pin Tung assisted with our general test programme, driving the FW24. He worked well with the engineering team and demonstrated a good degree of competence and ability over the course of the day. His lap time was very respectable for someone who hadn't driven anything like a Formula One car before today."

"After this week we have a test ban over Christmas and it is good to see that the test team pushed hard right through to the end of the test. However, the next couple of weeks will be far from a holiday as the whole factory will be busy preparing the FW26 for it's first test straight after New Year in Jerez.

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"The last test of the year was completed with Juan Pablo and Marc. There was a lot of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday so the team used this opportunity for tyre testing with Michelin who had brought some new casings to Jerez. While the tyre tests were performed with the FW25 and BMW P83 engine, we ran one P84 engine in another car. We managed to complete the scheduled distances without incurring any problems as well as collating some valuable set up data at the same time. It was therefore a positive test for the team."

-williams-