Speed takes the wheel

After Tonio Liuzzi gave the STR-01 its maiden outing yesterday, it was the turn of his team-mate Scott Speed to get behind the wheel. Southern Spain just isn't playing by the rules this winter and once again today, testing got off to a very damp start after overnight rain. However, the sun came out and the track dried enough for dry weather tyres for most of the day.

Car : STR-01
Driver: Scott Speed
Laps: 79
Best time: 1:20.500

The team concentrated on set-up work throughout the day as this was the American driver's first time in STR-01. "The car tended to oversteer but we worked on the problem and by the end of the day, we had it improved," said Scott. "We also did a long run at the end and that went smoothly. It was our best run of the day which shows we are making progress."

This is not the first time Scott Speed has experienced the modified V10 engine. "It definitely has less horsepower and has a different power band. It's going to require a different driving style, carrying more speed through the corners as you feel the difference when you drive out of them."

The team resumes testing this coming Monday, 13th February, at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain almost a month to the day before the desert track hosts the opening round of the season.