Race simulations for Spyker at Barcelona

Today the Spyker Formula One Team returned to the 4.653km Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, Spain, for a further three-day test programme. Following three days' intensive testing at the same circuit two weeks ago and a second test at Valencia last week, today the team concentrated on improving aerodynamic performance, optimising set-up and conducting race simulations.

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer, commented, "A very useful first day of testing, continuing on from the work we did in Valencia. In the morning Christijan and Adrian completed their alloted programme of set-up work and performance evaluation. Both were pleased with the balance and grip of the car, which was noticeably better this time out in Barcelona. Giedo van der Garde and Fairuz Fauzy took over in the afternoon and while Fairuz did a full race simulation without problems, Giedo's mileage was limited following a precautionary engine change early on. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the mechanics, he could only complete installation checks. Tomorrow Christijan and Adrian will do a full day's testing, running through a continuation of today's programme."

Christijan Albers added, "It was OK today, we made good progress and are going in the right direction. Again today was a learning day, trying to get as much information as possible, and I think it went pretty well. Tomorrow we'll be working on set-up for Melbourne and trying to find as much performance as possible."

Adrian Sutil said, "This morning we did some set-up work and new tyre runs, plus checking and finding balance. Today was effectively the first proper day of testing at Barcelona as last time out we had to run through initial programmes, but now you can really see the benefit of the work we put in in Valencia. The tyres are working much more effectively on the first few laps."