Final test over - Next stop Australia

Imola Testing
By Phil Huff
February 20 2003

Sauber Petronas completed its final three-day pre-season test of the C22 at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola yesterday.

Nick Heidfeld in chassis 01 covered 82 laps while Heinz-Harald Frentzen in chassis 02 ran 74 laps.

Jacky Eeckelaert (Head of Vehicle Engineering) said "Thanks to good weather and track conditions we have been able to complete our final test as scheduled. We have done many laps today and could get the maximum out of the test day. The programme basically comprised again the collection of important aerodynamic and tyre data. We have run with new wings and floors at both chassis in order to evaluate different component set-ups. The test results only confirmed the high reliability of the car and make us feel prepared to the optimum. We are now heading towards Melbourne and are very confident with regard to the new season."

Nick Heidfeld said "It has been a good test day today. I covered altogether more than 400 kilometres. We have gathered quite a lot more valuable data on Bridgestone to ensure the right tyre choice at Albert Park. The evaluation of different aerodynamic set-ups also showed an improvement. I am really looking forward to Melbourne."

Heinz-Harald Frentzen commented "Basically we completed our work with Bridgestone and further improved the aerodynamics. I am happy with what we have done today and I have no doubt that we will have a good start to the season."

The fastest times so far at Imola are...

P	Driver	Team	Engine	Car	Tyre	Best Lap	Gap
1	M Schumacher	Ferrari	Ferrari	F2003-GA	B	1:20.440	-.---
2	R Barrichello	Ferrari	Ferrari	F2003-GA	B	1:21.545	1.105
3	N Heidfeld	Sauber	Petronas	C22	B	1:21.749	1.309
4	H-H Frentzen	Sauber	Petronas	C22	B	1:22.117	1.677
5	L Badoer	Ferrari	Ferrari	F2002	B	1:23.022	2.582