M16 takes some big steps in Tiago’s hands

Tiago Monteiro completed almost 60 laps, six sets of ten, of the circuit of Catalunya, in the northern suburbs of Barcelona on Tuesday when, with less than 20 days before the first Grand Prix of the season, the Portuguese driver entrusted to undertake one of the most important tests for the MidlandF1 team in terms of development on the new M16.

Tiago was initially meant to carry out a race simulation - the first for the M16 – but unfortunately this plan was halted by rain. However, Tiago could still manage 59 laps of the Spanish circuit, to secure the fourth best time of the day with a 1:18.717, just one second away from the best overall timed lap of the day.

"We did a good job, despite the appearance of rain," said a delighted Tiago Monteiro. "We still have a lot of work to do but I am satisfied finishing the day just one second behind Mark Webber and Williams, who were quickest. The bad weather modified our test program, but that didn’t stop us! "

Tiago will continue with the development of the M16 this morning, while hoping to benefit from the conditions to make progress on the teams new contender.

"I am impatient to get back to work because it is necessary for us to prepare as much as possible for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Like yesterday morning, I will make a series of 5 or 6 laps to explore some new options."