The Minardi F1 Team wrapped up a two day test at Mugello with Patrick Friesacher, Christijan Albers and Chanoch Nissany all in action, on Friday.

As on the opening day, Thursday, the two race drivers were using the latest Minardi Cosworth PS05 chassis, while official tester, Nissany, was at the wheel of a PS04B. In near-ideal weather conditions, technical personnel focused on cooling arrangements, aerodynamics, chassis and suspension set-up, and tyre evaluation in the course of the day’s programme. Encouragingly, both PS05s displayed good reliability, allowing Friesacher and Albers to collect considerable data and increase the team’s working knowledge of the new car ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

CHRISTIJAN ALBERS

“I think it is fair to say that yesterday is a day best forgotten. We made a number of changes to the car today, both in terms of chassis set-up and software, which meant we stayed in the garage a little longer than planned while all the technical matters were sorted out. Once on the track, however, we had a very good day. The car showed it has speed, and with reliability as well, we were able to work through a solid programme. The PS05 is a new car, and there will continue to be small problems to be solved and work to be done in the coming weeks, but everything looks very positive at the moment.”
 

PATRICK FRIESACHER

“Generally, we have had a good day. We covered quite a lot of laps, and once again, gained new information about the car. There is still some work to be done on chassis set-up, but we’re definitely moving in the right direction, and I look forward to doing a good job for the team in Barcelona. I would also like to add my personal thanks to Bridgestone, for allowing us to try a number of different tyre compounds at this test. It has been very useful.”

CHANOCH NISSANY

“We focused this morning on chassis set-up work, and particularly on increasing mechanical grip while retaining good overall car balance. Up until yesterday, I had never driven at Mugello, but I have to say, it is one of the most interesting, and demanding circuits on which I have ever driven.”

MASSIMO RIVOLA, Minardi Sporting Director and Team Manager

“We have had a very good day, helped by the fact we were able to cover a considerable number of laps. In the process, we have taken a significant step forward in terms of overall vehicle reliability, which means we have achieved the main goal of this particular test. In addition, we made progress on the performance front, although it is clear the PS05 will have considerable potential for further improvement as the season progresses.

"I want to thank the Minardi team, and especially the mechanics, who once again did a superb job here at Mugello. We will now return to the factory and continue with our preparations for Spain.”