Webber eyeing more points
Jaguar Racing heads to San Marino this week to contest the first of the European races on the 2004 Formula One calendar. The team has been working non-stop since both Mark Webber and Christian Klien finished the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The three-week break has seen the team test in both Barcelona (Spain) and Paul Ricard (France) where the team has been working on weight distribution, tyre compounds and front wing ratios in preparation for Imola.
“We have been carrying out some extensive testing with both Mark and Christian since Bahrain. Our successful testing program has focused on, amongst other areas, continuing development in the areas of brakes, aerodynamic efficiency, weight distribution and the engine power of the R5,” explained Dr Mark Gillan – Head of Vehicle Performance. “As the Imola circuit is traditionally quite hard on the car, for example the kerbs can be very hard through the chicane and the brakes are used excessively we have been concentrating on set-up and also working with AP and Brembo on braking performance.”
“We are pleased with our progress in these areas, but as with many of our minor changes, until you get out on to the track and start racing you don’t see the results. We have also been making some other minor changes to the car but as always we are continuously developing the car and just because you can’t see a visible changes does not mean we have not taken steps forward. I am looking forward to seeing the cars on track on Friday, as all drivers know this circuit it would be good to see some friendly competition in the time sheets.”
After being rewarded with their first point at the new Bahrain circuit the team is keen to build on this and will be aiming to collect more points at the forthcoming race. A favourite track for both Mark and newcomer Christian the weekend promises to be an exciting one.
“The first three races were not as rewarding as we would have liked them to have been and so I am really keen to get out onto the European tracks to start showing what the R5 is really capable of. I was pleased with our first Championship point as the Bahrain circuit was very challenging both on the driver and the car and it was much deserved. The track at San Marino is one I know much better, I won there with F3000 in 2001,” Mark Webber explained. “It’s always special as it signals our return to Europe, which after our three fly-aways is very welcome and for me personally I really like Italy and the surrounding area of San Marino.”
“Since Bahrain I have been testing with the team, first in Barcelona and then at Paul Ricard. We have been focusing on the tyres and the general set-up of the car and I am pleased with our progress. Testing is a crucial part of the process and it is often frustrating doing the long-haul races when you can’t really get back to work on testing during the week. The team has been doing a good job in the last few weeks working at Milton Keynes (UK) and in Northampton (UK) at Cosworth Racing. I know that people are looking forward to getting back out on track and seeing what progress we have made. Michelin have done an outstanding job over the last three races and we are expecting good things from them on European soil.”
