Formula One news

Minardi test improvements at Mugello

Bruni in action

Minardi personnel were present at the Mugello circuit today to continue testing the latest aerodynamic package for the team's PS04B chassis. The technical programme also included evaluation of a revised braking system and a new damper specification. Regular race driver, Gianmaria Bruni, handled the driving duties throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, covering a total of 74 laps during the day and recording a fastest lap of 1 min 23.910 secs.

Gianmaria Bruni in Minardi cockpit

"It has been a good test and I am happy with the general balance of the car," said Bruni. "It reflects in the fastest lap we did today, which was 1.5 seconds quicker than the best time around Mugello for last year's Minardi. The guys have done a really good job, and the car is definitely better. We can now go to Spain next weekend feeling positive."

Andy Tilley, Senior Engineer commented, "We have spent the day assessing some new aero parts and suspension components, as well as carrying out some tyre testing work with Bridgestone. In addition, we had a revised engine specification available from Cosworth, and it has run all day with complete reliability. As a result, we are feeling very positive about the new parts that will be introduced for the Spanish Grand Prix."

Sporting Director John Walton concluded, "Due to our poor performance last weekend at Imola, which was the result of a lack of data as well as running time with the new aero package for the PS04B, we concentrated primarily on those areas at Mugello today. We succeeded in achieving a nice chassis balance, which proves the modifications are a step forward, and the work done by the guys in the wind tunnel and at the factory, as well as the contribution made by our partners, Cosworth and Bridgestone, have led to a useful improvement in the whole package. There's no doubt Gimmi's perceptive technical analysis has also helped to push things forward with the car."

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