We're much better than ever - Asmat
On the last day of the Jerez test, Jarno Trulli was in the Caterham for the first time this year, completing a massive 117 laps today. Overall, the car ran reliably throughout the entire test, with Mike Gascoyne stating it was his best debut test ever.
Jarno Trulli: “My first impression of the car was that it is good – a definite progression from 2011 and a good basis for us to work on for the season ahead. Its reliability has been demonstrated all week here in Jerez and we have generated a lot of data, particularly on KERS and the 2012 tyres which will help us improve setups for the next couple of tests.
“We know there’s a lot more to come in pure pace – perhaps we were the only team to run without dropping the fuel but we wanted to focus on running through the development program and making sure we completed the plan each day.
“For me there are a couple of real positives from today. I hadn’t used KERS before, and despite the extra buttons it means on the wheel, it’s pretty simple to get used to it quickly and I think we’ll see the benefits of that more and more as we keep learning how to get the most out of it. Also, for me the car felt balanced pretty much straight away. The power steering is good – we can keep fine tuning it, but I think it’s basically a good package with a lot of potential for us to work on. A good way to start the season.”
Mike Gascoyne, Chief Technical Officer: “I think we can be very pleased with how the first test has gone. Apart from an issue on day one with the starter the car ran absolutely faultlessly throughout the whole test which is a real tribute to the work put in by the whole team. We completed the whole test program, working with KERS for the first time and for me this has probably been the best first test I have ever been involved in throughout my career.
“We have been running the car rather conservatively in Jerez but for the next test we will be bringing aero updates and looking to run the final race one specification at the third test. Overall we are in a much better position going into the season than we have ever been before, so that is the first goal achieved.”
Riad Asmat, Caterham Group CEO: “The first test of the season has been a good one for us. Jarno ran another very impressive number of laps today and when you look at the total mileage we have accumulated here we have clearly started the season with a good, reliable car. We know there is pace to come but we also know we have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure we arrive in Australia in the strongest possible position. This week we have had the best start to a season yet in our three short years so we will move on to Barcelona in good spirits, with more new parts to come and in good shape to keep unlocking this car’s potential.”
Chassis: CT01-#2
Total laps: 117
Best lap: 1.22.198
