Ralf and Zonta wrap up Monza test
Today's testing concluded Panasonic Toyota Racing's three day programme at the Monza circuit. This week's work has been in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix which will take place here next weekend.
Race driver Ralf Schumacher and third driver Ricardo Zonta were on hand today to finish tyre testing and set-up work. Ralf Schumacher finished at lunchtime due to not feeling well. Ricardo Zonta continued on testing different set-ups on both cars in the afternoon and collected the final data the team needed to make the final tyre choice. The team will now head back to the headquarters in Cologne to analyze all the data and prepare for next weekend.
Ricardo Zonta "Yesterday the going was slow due to the red lights but today went well. I was able to do some long runs to evaluate the tyre choice alternatives for the coming race. We also did some final fine-tuning with the aero package and practiced some launches. It is unfortunate that we could not run both cars at the same time in the afternoon, but I think we the team did a good job preparing the cars so I could drive both and collect the data we needed. Like always, it's hard to say how we will do next weekend, but I think we have a competitive package and we will just have to wait and see."
Gerd Pfeiffer, Test Team Manager "This week we had planned to carry out an important tyre test and try out some new aerodynamic parts in preparation for next week's Italian Grand Prix here at Monza. We've managed to finish most of the programme, even though we had to deal with loosing time from red flags, set-up work and then losing a half day of driving this afternoon. Ricardo worked hard and drove both cars this afternoon. The tyres we have been testing for the race here look quite promising, so overall we are pleased with the data. Now the engineers will sit together to come up with the race strategy, which is always a bit easier when you have tested a week before the race at the same track. We have shown that we can be fast in the race and we are hoping for some more points in this next round."
