Williams Silverstone/Monza test notes 2004-06-01

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team is testing on two fronts this week. Marc Gené and Antonio Pizzonia were in action at Silverstone, Ralf Schumacher at Monza.

In preparation for the British Grand Prix, which forms the third back-to-back schedule of the season, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team was in action at Silverstone today, in addition to running a second test programme at the 'Autodromo Nazionale di Monza' as part of its preparations for Indianapolis.

Unfortunately, typical British summer weather meant that much of today's test at Silverstone was run in the wet, with the team only really getting half an hour of dry running in the late afternoon.

BMW WilliamsF1 Team test drivers, Marc Gené and Antonio Pizzonia completed 130 laps of the Northamptonshire circuit, as they carried out tyre testing for the British Grand Prix and preparation work for the Canadian event.

"Our first day at Silverstone went fairly well today," said Test Team Manager, Tim Newton, "despite the typical British weather compromising the lap times."

"Both Marc and Antonio spent the day working on systems checks as well as completing extensive tyre testing with Michelin," he added, "Marc also carried out some practice starts while Antonio concentrated on traction control testing."

The Brazilian completed 49 laps, with a best time of 1:23.687, while the Spaniard completed 81 laps, the most of the nine drivers present, posting a best time of 1:25.736. Antonio Pizzonia will be joined by Juan Pablo Montoya for the second day of the test on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, at Monza, Ralf Schumacher was at the wheel of a WilliamsF1 BMW FW26 as the team began its preparations for the United States Grand Prix, which takes place at Indianapolis on 20th June. The German spent the morning concentrating on set-ups before switching to tyre testing for Indianapolis in the afternoon.

Other than for some light drizzle around in the early afternoon, the weather was fine, allowing the BMW WilliamsF1 Team to complete its schedule for the day. Ralf completed 57 laps without any problems, posting a best time of 1:21.657.

-williams-