SILVERSTONE TEST from the BMW WilliamsF1 Team
17 / 18 /19 June 2003 The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today completed their three-day test session at Silverstone circuit with Juan Pablo Montoya behind the wheel of the FW25 on all three days. Despite the team's recent performance improvement, demonstrated at Monaco and Canada, intensive development work continues to ensure further competitiveness in the forthcoming Grands Prix. The Silverstone test programme predominantly concentrated on set up work for the British Grand Prix as well as testing several new aero components for the Nürburgring. Engine specifications, tyre compounds and chassis set ups were all explored and evaluated with Juan Pablo fulfilling two race simulations, completing a total of 213 laps across the three-day period as well as registering Thursday's fastest time. Whilst running at Silverstone, the team’s official test driver Marc Gené has been in Jerez for a four-day intensive session solely focusing on tyre development work for Michelin. Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1): "Throughout the test this week, the team has focused on set up work of the FW25 as well as completing some tyre testing for the imminent European races. We also ran various mechanical components for the gearbox and the engine along with some new aero parts in preparation for Nürburgring. The development of the car is definitely progressing well from the aerodynamic and mechanical side so we're fairly confident of securing some more valuable points in the next few races." Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "The team has had a very successful week running a double test programme at Silverstone and Jerez. At Silverstone, we managed to complete two race simulations as well as doing some chassis and tyre development work for the British Grand Prix. We are very pleased with the results of the three day test at Silverstone and therefore encouraged that we can do well in the next few races. Meanwhile the four day test at Jerez was wholly dedicated to tyre testing for Michelin and we think we've achieved some promising results." Silverstone daily best times: - Number of laps completed Driver / Car Tyre 17.06.03 18.06.03 19.06.03 Juan Pablo Montoya M 1:22.134 1:21.654 1:19.585 BMW WilliamsF1 Team 63 87 63 Michael Schumacher B 1:21.668 1:21.430 1:20.353 Ferrari 60 80 53 Rubens Barrichello B 1:21.094 1:20.725 1:20.529 Ferrari 38 39 90 Antonio Pizzonia M 1:22.377 1:21.277 - Jaguar Racing 47 65 Heinz Harald Frentzen B - - 1:21.403 Sauber Petronas 89 Nick Hiedfeld B 1:21.568 1:21.532 - Sauber Petronas 76 74 Jacques Villeneuve B - 1:22.680 1:21.799 Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda 53 59 Jenson Button B - 1:22.039 1:22.207 Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda 63 84 Felipe Massa B 1:22.723 1:22.272 1:22.197 Ferrari 61 76 62 Takuma Sato B 1:22.341 - - Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda 110 Mark Webber M - - 1:22.498 Jaguar Racing 72