Brawn focus on qualifying set-up
Brawn GP's Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button began the team's on-track preparations for Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit in the city of Sao Paulo today. Both drivers were fairly happy with their initial setups.
With the team's focus on maximising the set-up of the BGP 001 cars for the race, Rubens and Jenson evaluated a number of different set-up options and tyre evaluations working with the Bridgestone Potenza prime and option tyres.
The morning practice session took place with light rain developing into a brief heavier shower thirty minutes into the session which kept the cars in the garage for a short while. The afternoon session was largely dry allowing the team to successfully complete the majority of today's planned programme.
Rubens completed 70 laps ending the day in third position at his home track, with Jenson totaling 74 laps in fifth position.
Rubens Barrichello, BGP 001-03:
"Our focus today was on evaluating our set-up for the race and whilst the times may not have always looked competitive, the data that we gathered will be very useful when we study all the options this evening. The car felt better when we put the softer option tyre on towards the end of the day and I was able to put in a good lap. It's great to finally get the track action underway today and I'm pleased with our progress and happy to be starting my home Grand Prix weekend at the top end of
the field."
Jenson Button, BGP 001-02:
"We achieved more running that we initially expected today with just a few little showers rather than the rain that was forecast. The car seems to be working well on the prime tyre which is encouraging and the pace was good. I'm struggling a little with the balance on the option tyre over one timed lap so hopefully we can resolve that overnight to be ready for qualifying."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal:
"We had two good practice sessions today and are reasonably happy with our position at the end of the day. The balance of the cars improved this afternoon and both Rubens and Jenson are fairly comfortable with the set-up over longer runs. We still have some work to do overnight and ahead of qualifying to ensure that we achieve the best one-lap pace tomorrow."
Weather: Overcast with light showers
Temperatures: Air: 17-20°C, Track: 20-33°C
