AT&T Williams completes encouraging Jerez test

By Andrew Hooper - Williams
February 9 2007

 
Jerez Test 08:02:2007 Day Three
 

The final day of testing at the Jerez circuit for the AT&T Williams team would see rain affect the circuit for much of the day. Both Alex Wurz and Nico Rosberg would take the opportunity to test setups of the new FW29 is the wet conditions.

RosbergAlex would finish the day with the second fastest time while Nico was in fifth. Nico would bring out a red flag during the day when his car was to stop while on his way back to the pits. Despite this both drivers would be satisfied with the progress made with the FW29 on its first test.

Nico Rosberg:
“The Jerez test was definitely a good step forward for the team and we’ve made a very positive start to our pre-season testing programme. The FW29’s pace was strong and so is its reliability. The signs for getting us back to points scoring finishes with a reliable car are looking good at the moment. I’m really happy and looking forward to the test next week in Barcelona.”

Alex Wurz:
“This test was very good for us; one has to remember that it was practically a shake down. Things went well and I felt comfortable with the car from the word go. In fact, in the wet on the last day, we set the pace whenever we were on the track. It has to be said that the Toyota engine installation in the new car is a solid step up from the interim car because the exhaust and airbox are fully optimised. That basically means that the engine pulls really well from the bottom end, through the mid-range and by then you are on the straight. In conclusion, I left Jerez with a smile.”

AT&T Williams Technical Director Sam Michael added: "We have now finished the initial run with the FW29, working through intermediate weather conditions for most of the last day. On our final day, we completed some more useful work with Alex and Nico on the brakes, while also carrying out further systems checks and verifying the set-up of the car in the damp conditions. Overall, it was a pleasing start and we are concentrating on making as many improvements as we can before Melbourne."

Next week the team will continue testing at Barcelona.
  
Pos Driver 	  Team 		 Best Time Total Laps
1   N Heidfeld 	  BMW Sauber 	 1:29.477  32 / 34 
2   A Wurz 	  AT&T Williams  1:30.034  12 / 70
3   T Glock 	  BMW Sauber 	 1:30.243  21 / 27
4   K Raikkonen   Ferrari 	 1:30.599  40 / 89
5   N Rosberg  	  AT&T Williams  1:30.687  27 / 47
6   R Barrichello Honda 	 1:30.699  63 / 66
7   F Massa 	  Ferrari 	 1:30.719  9 / 48
8   J Trulli 	  Toyota 	 1:30.978  19 / 89
9   F Montagny 	  Toyota 	 1:31.021  13 / 76
10  D Coulthard   Red Bull 	 1:31.153  13 / 69
11  M Webber   	  Red Bull 	 1:31.399  61 / 70
12  P de la Rosa  McLaren 	 1:31.488  17 / 73
13  F Alonso 	  McLaren 	 1:31.563  3 / 8
14  M Andretti    Honda 	 1:32.406  50 / 61
 

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