Yesterday Minardi kicked off their final pre-season test before the new season begins in Australia in a fortnight's time. The Faenza team were running the second of their PS04B race chassis at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in company with four other Formula One teams. 

Gianmaria Bruni carried out the driving duties on the first day, as Minardi engineers worked through a technical programme that included aerodynamic tests, chassis set-up evaluation, further engine development on the Cosworth CR3L V10, and tyre assessment for Bridgestone. The team also took the opportunity to conduct a longer, race simulation run and practice its pit-stop drill during the afternoon session. 

Meanwhile today saw Zsolt Baumgartner take over the driving duties and in weather conditions that ranged from heavy rain to intermittent showers, the young Hungarian continued with the team’s technical programme, which included assessment of aerodynamic components, and chassis set-up evaluation. The wet track surface also provided the team with an opportunity to work with Bridgestone technicians in testing the Japanese company’s latest wet-weather tyres. By the conclusion of the test this afternoon, the new PS04B had amassed nearly 1,200kms of running in total, accompanied by excellent reliability.   

“I’m satisfied with the work we carried out today," commented Gianmaria Bruni at the conclusion of testing yesterday. "We tried a number of different chassis set-ups, some of which turned out to be better than others, but that is what testing is all about. Towards the end of the day, we did a long run, and arrived at what we feel is a suitable set-up for Melbourne. I’m also very pleased we had a chance to assess the latest Bridgestone tyre compounds that will be used in Australia. We did some really useful testing with these today.”   

Zolt Baumgartner took over driving today and reported, “Today was the first time I have driven the new Minardi in wet conditions, and as a result, I’m aware I have some work to do to improve. We made some good progress during the day, but I feel we still need to find a good chassis balance for the wet. I found myself struggling particularly with traction when the track was still wet but starting to dry.”      

“The rainy conditions today were not ideal, but thanks to Bridgestone, we had the chance to evaluate the company’s two different wet tyre constructions, “heavy wets” in the morning and intermediates in the afternoon," said team manager Massimo Rivola. "The engineers were very pleased with the behaviour of the tyres. As for Zsolt, he is clearly becoming more confident with the car and improving steadily and consistently.  Generally, he handled the wet weather well, and it’s just unfortunate that a small mistake near the end of the afternoon session saw him go off the track and do some light damage to the front of the car. Otherwise, it was another positive day of testing for Minardi Cosworth.” 

“We have had a constructive session here at Imola," commented Senior Engineer Andy Tilley. "We spent the first part of the day working on mechanical settings, and concluded this afternoon with a long run to look at tyre degradation. It was also pleasing that the car and engine ran with complete reliability during the course of the 67 laps we covered today. I think it’s fair to say the team’s preparations for Australia are progressing well.”

“Another very productive day of testing for Minardi Cosworth saw Gimmi complete his full programme without any problems," commented team boss Paul Stoddard yesterday. "In doing so, he also recorded a respectable fastest lap of 1 min 23.999 secs. It’s promising this was less than a second off the time Heidfeld set in the Jordan, although we recognise there is still room to improve our performance.”   

While today Stoddart was resonably satisfied despite the continuing poor conditions. "“While we would have preferred dry conditions to continue our technical programme at Imola today, the rain did allow us to work solidly with our tyre partner, Bridgestone, and evaluate the PS04B in wet conditions for the first time. Given that the first race in Melbourne has a history of wet weather, this could prove useful. The team moves on to Australia next week for the start of what I’m sure will prove to be an exciting Formula One season.”
 

Location: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy; Weather yesterday: Cold and overcast with rain in the morning, light showers later; Air temperature: 4-8 deg C; Track temperature: 5-11 deg C; Weather today: Sunny and cold at first, becoming cloudy later; Air temperature: 5-8 deg C; Track temperature: 9-12 deg C