Williams Monza test 2001-07-20

Monza is the perfect circuit to test all aspects of low downforce set-up and lessons learned here will be relevant to race conditions expected at both Hockenheim and Monza and maybe to a lesser degree at Indianapolis. The only quick circuit that is significantly different is Spa, where the kerbs are different in nature and this necessitates specific testing that the team did not do in Monza. The team has tested a variety of aero developments as well as the variability of aerodynamic performance based on different fuel loads and tyre options for Michelin. The test has provided an ideal mix of conditions from hot and dry to cool and wet. This has left Michelin and the team fairly clear on the optimum tyre for Hockenheim.

Dr Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)
"We are looking back on an intensive test with two cars over four days. On the engine side we have been working on a lot of tasks, the main targets were improving the traction control and trying a top exit exhaust. We also supported an extensive test programme on the chassis and tyres. The test in Monza not only made possible a good preparation for the Italian Grand Prix in September, but also for the next Grand Prix in Hockenheim, where we will be facing long, engine-demanding straights, too."

<pre> Complete list of times/no. of laps Time Laps

Eddie Irvine            Jaguar Cosworth         1 24.555        65
Juan Pablo Montoya      WilliamsF1 BMW          1 24.887        45
Mika Hakkinen           McLaren Mercedes        1 24.935        91
Ricardo Zonta           Jordan Honda            1 24.990        66
Marc Gene               WilliamsF1 BMW          1 25.188        64
Rubens Barrichello      Ferrari                 1 25.505        80
Pedro de la Rosa        Jaguar Cosworth         1 25.523        60
Alexander Wurz          McLaren Mercedes        1 25.652        65
Jacques Villeneuve      BAR Honda               1 25.841        74
Jenson Button           Benetton Renault Sport  1 26.289        33

-Williams