Grand Prix of Monaco -
Free Practice Round-Up
Thursday 20 May 2004
 (Car
16, Chassis TF104/04)
First Session Classification: 16th, 15 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m32.915s (+3.468s)
Second Session Classification: 14th, 25 laps completed Lap Time: 1m30.531s
(+1.176s)
"We didn't expect anything special in terms of the car performance
around the Nürburgring this weekend. On a positive note, the car is quite
well balanced, even if it is bumping much more over the asphalt compared to
last year. We still need to find more grip, but we know that already.
Something that concerns me, though, is the high rate of degradation on the
tyres. We have to look into this more closely because it will be important
when it comes to preparing for the race in tomorrow's practice sessions."
 Olivier
Panis (Car 17, Chassis TF104/07)
First Session Classification: 12th, 10 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m31.910s (+2.463s)
Second Session Classification: 13th, 24 laps completed Lap Time: 1m30.497s
(+1.142s)
"I think it was a positive day. We worked quite well and we seem to
have found a clear direction with selection of the tyre compounds, which is
one of the most critical things about Friday's practice sessions. This
morning I was not really confident with the car but the team reacted quickly
to make improvements in time for the afternoon session. At the end of the
second practice, I was on a very quick lap, but I lost at least four-tenths
through the driving of Leinders in the Minardi. I know it can't be easy for
him, but he should really learn to use the mirrors."
 Ricardo
Zonta (Car 38, Chassis TF104/03)
First Session Classification: 5th, 23 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m31.587s (+2.140s)
Second Session Classification: 15th, 33 laps completed Lap Time: 1m30.949s
(+1.594s)
"Generally I am happy, although it was actually quite difficult to
choose the tyres today. We did two very long runs in the second session to
contrast and compare the performance and the degradation from each of the
two compounds. In the end, we did a very good run and we found a good
balance for the race, but at the moment it is difficult to tell how well we
will run in qualifying. The team has another 90 minutes of practice tomorrow
morning to fine-tune the car from the solid base we have set today."
Luca Marmorini - Technical Director Engine
"It has been a busy
but productive day, starting with some difficulties with lack of grip on the
track. All three drivers did an excellent job to find a good set-up and
balance on the TF104s. They are still complaining a bit about tyre
degradation and the general lack of grip, but I would say that what we have
achieved today is positive. From the engine point of view, we have brought
the same spec engine that we used in Monaco and we have experienced no
serious issues today, so we hope to continue in this way for the rest of the
weekend." |
