Williams Silverstone/Monza test notes 2004-06-02

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team continued its preparations for the Canadian, US and British rounds of the 2004 Formula One World Championship.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team was again in action at two circuits today as it continued preparations for the back-to-back events in Canada and the United States, and the British Grand Prix, which takes place at Silverstone on July 11th.

At Silverstone, Juan Pablo Montoya joined BMW WilliamsF1 Team official test driver, Antonio Pizzonia, as the team continued the three day test programme.

Following yesterday's rain, which lasted for much of the day, conditions were much improved today, with heavy clouds eventually giving way to blue skies, sunshine and temperatures reaching 22 °C (ambient), and 32 °C (track).

"Juan Pablo took over testing duties from Marc today, joining Antonio for the second day of the test," said WilliamsF1's Test Team Manager, Tim Newton, "Under improved weather conditions, Juan Pablo continued with our tyre testing programme and also completed some set-up work. Meanwhile, Antonio carried out suspension testing and further systems checks."

Juan Pablo completed 89 laps of the Northamptonshire track, posting a best time of 1:18.650, while Antonio completed 45 laps, his best time being a 1:19.292. Both drivers will continue here tomorrow, the final day of testing.

Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher continued at the 'Autodromo Nazionale di Monza'. As in Britain, conditions were ideal, though slightly overcast, with the ambient temperature reaching 25°C, and the track temperature reaching 33°C.

"Ralf spent the majority of the session doing long runs, testing various race components for the forthcoming Grands Prix," said Newton, "In preparation for the race at Indianapolis, Ralf tested various tyre compounds while also completing some brake testing and aero work in readiness for the Italian Grand Prix here in September."

The German completed 83 laps, setting a best time of 1:21.511. The Monza test concludes tomorrow, with Ralf, once again, being the team's sole representative.

-williams-