Sutil impressed by slicks

Adrian Sutil has brought the Force India Formula One Team's pre-Spanish Grand Prix to a close today at the Circuit de Catalunya. The team once more finished high up the classifications, with Adrian recording the third quickest time of the day.

The German's best lap, a 1min 19.424, was set on slick tyres with 2008 aero, and was just one tenth slower than the second best time set by Michael Schumacher. As with Tonio and Giancarlo on the previous two days, Adrian ran with 2008 tyres and aero configuration in the morning to test settings for next week's Spanish Grand Prix, and also tried 'slick' tyres in preparation for their reintroduction in 2009. He completed 475km over the day, bringing the team's total mileage to over 1, 200km this test.

The test team will now return to the Force India factory in Silverstone to integrate this week's findings into race team preparations for the Spanish Grand Prix in just over a week's time.

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer: "A useful day to finish what has been a very productive test. We had a minor clutch problem in the morning that caused a small delay in running, but we nevertheless completed the day's programme. Adrian tested the 2008 configuration in the morning in preparation for next week's race and also ran on a couple of sets of 2009 tyres. Overall, the test has been very useful, we've finished our scheduled work and we look in good shape for the Grand Prix."

Adrian Sutil "I was quite happy with today. We did a lot of running, which wasn't bad considering the small problem we had in the morning, and the car has improved a lot since the last time we were here in February. I think it looks good for the race. I also tried out slicks, which was my first time this year, and was really impressed. The grip is just amazing, especially in the last sector, but it is also very physical on your neck muscles. I'm looking forward to it already!"