Formula One: Stewart-Ford Racing News, Hungarian Grand Prix Preview
14 August 1999
Hungaroring, Friday 13th August, 1999Rubens Barrichello was fourth quickest in today's Free Practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Team mate Johnny Herbert finished the day with the tenth fastest time.
RUBENS BARRICHELLO Car No.16 (SF3-04)
Time: 1:20.547 Position: fourth 32 laps
Fourth fastest - you must be pleased with your work today?
'I was able to identify the direction to go on set-up early on and follow it as the day went on. The car is working well. The aerodynamic balance is good. I can still find time by improving the mechanical grip so I'm optimistic for tomorrow.'
What were the track conditions like?
'Parts of the circuit are quite bumpy, particularly the last two turns. The bumps unsettle the cars a little so you have to work on suspension settings to enable the car to ride the bumps without too much interference to the overall handling. The rain that fell made the track a little damp and the white lines became slippery. I think that's what caught a lot of people out.'
JOHNNY HERBERT Car No.17 (SF3-05)
Time: 1:21.486 Position: 10th 21 laps
You were restricted to 21 laps. Why?
'I lost the chance to do more running towards the end due to a suspension problem. It was a shame that I also lost a set of tyres this morning because of a puncture. Despite that I'm confident we have reached a good base to improve the set-up for qualifying.'
How has the car performed so far?
'We definitely have a car which is suited to this circuit. What you need most of all here is a good balance because it helps in reducing tyre wear. A good balance also helps driveability of the car particularly on such a twisty circuit as this.'
PAUL STEWART, SGP Chief Operating Officer
'We have had a very productive start to the weekend. Both drivers made significant progress with set-up during both sessions today in preparation for qualifying and the race. Having a trouble-free day enabled us to get through a lot of work.'
MARTIN WHITAKER, Director, Ford Racing, Europe
'We experienced no problems today and there is no doubt that the work we did at the Silverstone test last week to increase the engine's driveability has proved beneficial with the engines responding well to the traction requirements of the circuit. We will be using Series 4 engines in both cars tomorrow.'
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