Jerez: Test Round-up

The Job List for the past three days centred on three main items: testing tyre construction for the final three grands prix and compounds specifically for the next race in China, allowing Robert Doornbos to concentrate on race preparation rather than pure testing prior to his promotion to race driver for the final trio of events and – worst kept secret of the week award – evaluating Michael Ammermuller as the Dutchman’s potential replacement in the Friday-tester role.

“The three days went very well and we completed our planned programme,” commented Chief Test Engineer, Ian Morgan. “On the first day, Robert concentrated on Shanghai tyre evaluation, while Michael got used to driving an F1 car. Day 2 saw Robert given the chance to work on car set-up and generally get the car to his liking for a race weekend. We brought in Tonio to help with tyre work, as prior to the test, we had decided to give Michael the middle day off to think about everything he had done. Apart from a slight hydraulic problem on Tonio’s car and losing some track time through bad weather, it was another good day. Finally, today, we got through more work than expected with Robert, completing the tyre programme and doing some race work. Michael also got through his programme. Apart from one small spin, he put in an impressive performance without making mistakes and completing over 200 laps. A positive end to our last test.”