Williams Valencia test summay 2002-02-10

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team concluded a seven day test at the Valencia circuit in Spain today, conducted by all four race and test team drivers, using the first two FW24 chassis and an FW23A.

In spite of some adverse weather conditions, notably strong winds in the middle of the week, the test team worked through an exhaustive programme that included taking the new BMW P82 engine to full mileage, a batch of wet and intermediate tyre tests, and a series of aero, traction control and brake component tests.

This week's programme concludes one of the most intensive test schedules in Spain that commenced on January 7 in Barcelona.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer WilliamsF1):
"I have to credit the test team, many of whom have been working here in Spain without respite since January 5. What we have managed to pack into a five week window has been little short of remarkable. We have broken the back of the objectives we set ourselves, and we are satisfied with the performance and reliability of the new car. The work has uncovered plenty of areas to focus our efforts on, and despite the energies committed so far, have plenty of work ahead of us."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"I'm pleased that we managed to handle the marathon test in Barcelona and then in Valencia in a productive way. It has been an enormous task in both material and manpower terms. Naturally, the first version of the 2002 BMW V10 that was tested for the first time in a car in October and afterwards was run on the dyno in Munich in November and December had some minor weak points. Although we knew from the start that the P82 is conceptually correct, we had to re-design some parts. That engine step was tested in Valencia and I'm satisfied with the results. Besides ensuring its all-important reliability, our main target in Valencia was to improve the electronic management system including traction control."

-williams-