The Minardi F1 Team yesterday
staged its final test prior to the start of the 2005
Formula One season, in Melbourne, in two weeks’ time.
The Faenza squad fielded a pair of Minardi Cosworth
PS04B chassis, for Christijan Albers and newly signed
race driver, Patrick Friesacher. The primary purpose of
the test was to allow both men to continue acclimatising
to F1 performance and to familiarise themselves with the
Imola circuit, which will be the site of the first Grand
Prix of the 2005 European season, in April.
In addition, the technical programme today involved
aerodynamic work and evaluation of the Bridgestone tyres
the team will use in Australia.
PATRICK FRIESACHER
“I’m very happy with the
way things have gone today, particularly since this is
only my second time in a Minardi since the Misano test.
I gained more confidence in the car with each lap. We
did a long run this afternoon, aimed at tyre evaluation,
and apart from getting some good information, it also
gave me a chance to test my fitness, which I’m pleased
to say, seems good.
"We finished the day without any problems, and I have to
thank the whole team for their efforts – the atmosphere
is fantastic. I can’t wait to get to Melbourne.”
CHRISTIJAN ALBERS
“Overall, I think we have had a good test today, and I
feel like I have done a good job. The morning session
was particularly positive, as I was able to work with
the engineers to develop some aerodynamic approaches the
team is looking at.
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"Overall, I think we have had a good test today,
and I feel like I have done a good job" commented
Christjian Albers |
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The Faenza Minadi squad fielded a pair of Minardi
Cosworth PS04B chassis, for Christijan Albers and
Patrick Friesacher |
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"We have not had any technical problems today, and I think
this a good sign for our last test before Melbourne.”
MASSIMO RIVOLA, Sporting Director and Team Manager
“Both drivers did good, solid jobs
today, and there was nothing between them in terms of lap
times, even though they were on different programmes.
"Christijan helped us to gain some important aerodynamic
information that will be relevant to the PS05, while Patrick
completed a long run in the afternoon on the 2005
Melbourne-specification tyres, and also recorded some
interesting results. We particularly want to thank
Bridgestone once again for their support, and we now look
forward to the start of the new season, in Australia.”
PAUL STODDART, Team Principal
“This has been a very useful final
pre-season test for the team. Christijan and Patrick
were assigned different tasks today, but both did exactly
what was required and provided the team’s technical staff
with some useful data.
"It has also been a worthwhile personal exercise for both
drivers, in that they have now accumulated some experience
of the Imola circuit in a Formula One car, which should
stand them in good stead when they return here for the San
Marino Grand Prix.”
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