Peter Welcomes JV
Jacques Villeneuve Debuts with SAUBER PETRONAS
Peter Welcomes JV
By Jamie Makin
November 26 2004
Team SAUBER PETRONAS completed its three-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya today. Jacques Villeneuve made his debut for the team and covered 95 laps in chassis C23-02 to set a best time of 1:15.196.
Peter Welcomes JV
November 26 2004
Team SAUBER PETRONAS completed its three-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya today. Jacques Villeneuve made his debut for the team and covered 95 laps in chassis C23-02 to set a best time of 1:15.196.
After his short stint with Renault at the end of the season, Villeneuve's fans have eagerly awaited his debut at SAUBER in preparation for his return to a full season of racing next year. The former World Champion did not disappoint as he came to grips with the SAUBER C23 and set competitive lap times right away.
Villeneuve ended the day full of confidence. "My first day of testing with SAUBER PETRONAS went really well. I had spent enough time in the factory for the seat fitting, so I felt immediately comfortable in the car. I did a lot of laps today and the times were good. In addition, the car ran absolutely reliable, we had no technical problems whatsoever. So it was really a very productive first day," he explained. "We worked on the set-up mainly to further adapt the C23 to the Michelin tyres. We have a good basis and I am confident that we can continue this work in a positive way during our next test in Jerez."
The Jerez test will be held from 1 to 3 December and will see Villeneuve behind the wheel for the first two days before teammate Felipe Massa steps in to finish the job.
For full 2005 pre-season test results click here.
Villeneuve ended the day full of confidence. "My first day of testing with SAUBER PETRONAS went really well. I had spent enough time in the factory for the seat fitting, so I felt immediately comfortable in the car. I did a lot of laps today and the times were good. In addition, the car ran absolutely reliable, we had no technical problems whatsoever. So it was really a very productive first day," he explained. "We worked on the set-up mainly to further adapt the C23 to the Michelin tyres. We have a good basis and I am confident that we can continue this work in a positive way during our next test in Jerez."
The Jerez test will be held from 1 to 3 December and will see Villeneuve behind the wheel for the first two days before teammate Felipe Massa steps in to finish the job.
| P | Driver | Team | Engine | Car | Tyre | Best Lap | Gap |
| 1 | Zonta | Toyota | Toyota | TF104 | M | 1:14.978 | -:--.--- |
| 2 | Webber | Williams | BMW | FW26 | M | 1:15.172 | 0.194 |
| 3 | Villeneuve | SAUBER | PETRONAS | C23 | M | 1:15.196 | 0.218 |
| 4 | de la Rosa | McLaren | Mercedes | MP4/19 | M | 1:15.418 | 0.440 |
| 5 | Montoya | McLaren | Mercedes | MP4/19 | M | 1:15.503 | 0.525 |
| 6 | Pizzonia | Williams | BMW | FW26 | M | 1:15.504 | 0.526 |
| 7 | Klien | Red Bull | Cosworth | Interim | M | 1:15.526 | 0.548 |
| 8 | Luizzi | Red Bull | Cosworth | Interim | M | 1:15.638 | 0.660 |
| 9 | Gene | Ferrari | Ferrari | F2004 | B | 1:15.652 | 0.674 |
| 10 | Montagny | Renault | Renault | R24 | M | 1:16.437 | 1.459 |
| 11 | Fisichella | Renault | Renault | R24 | M | 1:16.578 | 1.600 |
| 12 | Button | BAR | Honda | BAR006 | M | 1:16.745 | 1.767 |
| 13 | Sato | BAR | Honda | BAR006 | M | 1:16.750 | 1.772 |
| 14 | Bernoldi | BAR | Honda | BAR006 | M | 1:17.413 | 2.435 |
| 15 | Wirdheim | Red Bull | Cosworth | Interim | M | 5:16.867 | 4:1.889 |
For full 2005 pre-season test results click here.
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