Williams Valencia test notes 2004-01-29

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team concluded their three -day test at Valencia today having covered over 2,000 kilometers and topped the timesheets on all three days. Both Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya were on hand to perform testing duties, as well as the team's official test driver, Marc Gene.

Unfortunately, Ralf developed abdominal pains during the test and had to withdraw from the final day. However, having undergone precautionary medical examinations, Ralf has been declared fit and will return to the cockpit on Monday for the team's next test at Barcelona.

Antonio Pizzonia also joined the team for two of the days to assist with the extensive schedule. On the last day the Brazilian shaved 0.153 seconds off the time posted by Juan Pablo Montoya on Wednesday to establish a new un-official lap record for the Spanish track.

During the test the team combined mechanical and aero development work of the FW26 with tyre compound evaluations for Michelin, further progressing the understanding and development of the new car in preparation for it's race debut in Melbourne on March 7th.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):
"We've had another progressive test this week in Valencia. Juan Pablo, Ralf and Marc have all concentrated on mechanical set-ups and aerodynamic work on the FW26 while Antonio once again impressed the team using the modified FW25."

#!Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"It was the first real test in Valencia after the launch of the FW26 on January 5th here. From the engine perspective, we primarily concentrated on practise starts and traction control set-ups. This has been a productive test for the team during which we've collated a considerable amount of valuable data."

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team will travel to Barcelona next week for a five-day test commencing on Monday 2nd February.