da Matta concludes pre-Monaco test in France

One days work
By Huw Alban (28/05/03)
May 28 2003

Cristiano da Matta took over for the final day at Paul Ricard last, continuing the schedule of work started by Olivier Panis. In addition to the Paul Ricard pre-Monaco work, Ricardo Zonta was also putting in some miles at the Vairano circuit in Italy.

"I carried on with the team's technical programme started by Olivier and we did a very good job in just one day," Cristiano commented after his day. "We continued testing the new aerodynamic elements that will be introduced specifically for Monaco. We worked on the required high downforce set-ups for the race and also paid particular attention to getting the right balance in slow corners. Overall we are very satisfied with the results produced and I was happy to make the most of the day covering so many laps without any problem."

Olivier Panis was also pleased with his work, and is confident that the team can show improved form in Monaco this weekend. "I drove on Tuesday and Wednesday on the 12B configuration of the Circuit Paul Ricard, which poses quite similar challenges to the Monaco track. We focused entirely on the specific preparations for this very demanding circuit, working thoroughly on mechanical and aerodynamic set-up, as well as on tyre evaluations. I always look forward to the next Grand Prix with the same motivation. But maybe even more to the next one: what place could be more special than the streets of Monaco to change our luck ?"

Ricardo Zonta, meanwhile, completed an evaluation exercise on aerodynamic improvements at Vairano. "I drove on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Vairano circuit working on aerodynamic tests and came to Le Castellet to drive the fourth and last day of the session, during which we used the longest version of the track (configuration 3B). I was in charge of evaluating aerodynamic solutions ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix (15 June) and also to conduct some longer-term development work. It was a very productive and interesting test on both circuits, for me and for the team."

The team are next due to test at Silverstone on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June. This site's publisher will be present at the test, so make sure you tune in to find out what happened and view some exclusive pictures from the sessions.