Formula One news

Katherine Legge impressively quick at Vallelunga

British driver, Katherine Legge today successfully completed a 27-lap test for the Minardi F1 Team at the Autodromo Vallelunga. The 25-year-old was on track from mid-morning on Wednesday, and after commencing her scheduled runs on intermediate tyres in deference to the cold and damp conditions, the team's engineers switched her car onto dry tyres as the temperature rose and track conditions improved.

It was then she strung together a series of impressively quick, consistent laps, culminating in a best time of 1 min 21.176 secs around the 4.11-km circuit that nestles in the hills above Rome. Sharing the track with Legge in the course of Wednesday were Minardi tester, Chanoch Nissany, and young Uruguayan driver, Juan Caceres. In addition, the Minardi F1x2 cars were again in action, Patrick Friesacher and Christijan Albers taking a total of 20 VIP guests for high-speed runs around the Roman circuit.

Katherine Legge commented after her day of F1 testing: "First of all, I want to say thank you to Paul Stoddart and all the guys at Minardi for their unstinting support over the last two days. It has been a fantastic experience, and they have been just absolutely great the whole time. As for the test, I expected the unexpected, and that's what I got. It was certainly a lot easier today than yesterday, mainly because I was left alone to focus on what I had to do. I did the best job I could, and bearing in mind my relative lack of experience, I'm very pleased with the result. The trouble is, I can't wait to get back in an F1 car again now!"

Former Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart was impressed with Katherine's F1 debut. He commented: "On the third day of Minardi's last test, at Vallelunga, it was pleasing to see Katherine complete her test and set one of the fastest times of the past three days, proving that she's definitely got what it takes to be a Formula One driver. Chanoch Nissany, our regular tester, steadily improved throughout the day."

On Thursday the Minardi team will have its final outing on track.

more news

• 08 Sep.
  • McLaren boss - we did everything right
  • Raikkonen not giving up yet
  • Ferrari wont rush team orders decision
  • Alonso is best driver in F1 - Brawn
• 07 Sep.
  • McLaren to appeal Hamilton penalty
  • Ferrari boss responds to Hamilton penalty
  • Hamilton penalty hands Massa victory
  • Heidfeld gamble pays off for BMW
  • Glock given 25-second penalty
  • Red Bulls upstaged by Toro Rossos
  • Double points-finish moves Toro Rosso up
  • Renault encouraged by Alonso's fourth
  • Force India happy to get both cars to flag
  • Disappointing day for Williams
  • Pointless day drops Honda to ninth
  • Glock makes point for Toyota
  • Hamilton - Kimi pushed me wide
  • Massa happy with second
  • Hamilton and Raikkonen under investigation
  • Hamilton wins thrilling Belgian Grand Prix
  • Photos: Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Heidfeld confident of new BMW deal
  • Dennis hints Hamilton may be light
• 06 Sep.
  • Ferrari plot fight for victory from second
  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
  • Massa's perfect lap not enough
  • Kovalainen lost out in middle sector
  • Hamilton storms to Belgian pole
  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
  • Heidfeld tops final practice session
  • Photos: Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Donington Park submit first phase plans

Homepage