Force India satisfied with Barcelona test
The Force India Formula One Team concluded its winter testing programme today at the Circuit de Catalunya, Spain. Giancarlo Fisichella brought the programme to a productive close with a simulation of a race weekend.
After a delayed start due to foggy weather Giancarlo conducted initial set-up checks before launching into qualifying runs before the lunchtime pause. In the afternoon the Italian moved onto longer runs and put in a full race distance. Over the course of the day, he completed 141 laps with a fastest lap of 1min 21.045.
The team will now move back to its Silverstone base to consolidate the data gained over the two tests and begin final preparations for the Australian Grand Prix in just over two weeks' time. Tonio Liuzzi will conduct a shakedown of the second chassis at Silverstone circuit on Tuesday.
Giancarlo Fisichella: "It's been a good day with 141 laps. We went in the right direction with some set-up work and the car was very reliable so we could really start to work on the balance. It's not so bad we just could do with some more aero grip. We didn't do the best lap time when the circuit was at its peak in the morning otherwise we could have improved the time, perhaps a 20.5, but overall I feel comfortable. It's quite encouraging, we now know where we need to improve."
James Key, technical director: "It was a very good conclusion to the eight days of testing. Over the week we have completed more than 2,000km and have a very strong basis to start the season from. We don't have any major concerns and the car is now very reliable so we can really start to look at areas that will improve performance. Giancarlo ran a second race distance without any issues and tried both tyre compounds. In more representative temperatures today they behaved very well and seemed to be good over longer runs. The drivers seem to be happy and, with this in mind, we can concentrate on seeking out the improvements that will move us forward."
