Encouraging Valencia test for Spykerf1
In its final day of testing at the Valencia circuit, the Spyker Formula One Team concentrated on optimising balance, conducting race simulations and improving performance over one-lap runs. Following heavy overnight rain, the team was also able to test the new Bridgestone Potenza wet weather tyres in the morning's session.
James Key, Spyker Formula One Technical Director, commented, "Another productive day for us and, again, the reliability was very good. Both drivers drove well, we had a race simulation with Christijan this afternoon and although Adrian lost some time this morning with the damp track and later an engine change, he did put in some very positive work in the afternoon, particularly on new control systems. We worked hard on set-up options last night and today came back with some good solutions to get more out of the tyres. We've now got a much better handle on the performance over the first lap with new tyres.I think we can go to the next Barcelona test with a much better understanding of the car and tyres, and refine the improvements we've found this week."
Christijan Albers added, "I think today went pretty well. I was able to complete a full race distance today with no real problems. We've done a lot of work on set-up and now the balance is better I can now push a bit more on the first lap with new tyres. Looking forward to Barcelona we've still got some work to do but we're going in the right direction, which is very encouraging."
Adrian Sutil commented, "We had some good runs in the the last hour and tried out some different set-ups and control systems settings. In the entry to the corner we have a lot more stability and mid-corner there's not so much understeer. In every area the car has more grip. Next time out we'll continue to work on set-up and different configurations and try to get more performance out of the tyres."
The team's final three-day test before the season opener in Melbourne will take place next week from 27 February - 1 March at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona.
