Strong day of testing for Schumacher and Mercedes GP
The first winter test of the 2011 Formula One season concluded in Valencia today with Michael Schumacher rounding off the three-day programme for the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. The focus was once again on reliability and mileage accumulation with the new MGP W02 car, as well as giving Michael the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Mercedes KERS system for the first time.
A strong day of running saw Michael complete 110 laps in total.
Michael Schumacher: "We were able to achieve a lot of valuable mileage and it was a positive day. I am pleased with that, and with how the car was behaving. Again, of course, this is not our final race car for the season but a lot of elements have already proved to be a significant step forward. I felt totally comfortable in the car immediately and noticed how much I had missed driving since November. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and this week gives us a very good idea of where we should concentrate our work. I look forward to going to Jerez now."
Ross Brawn: "A good day's work today with Michael, and we have been able to cover some significant mileage which is important for our reliability checks. We're starting to get an insight into the car's behaviour and its responses to various set-up changes are proving to be very consistent. After a few difficulties at the start of the test, we have finished with a strong day providing plenty of data and options to take forward to the next test in Jerez."
