Formula One news

Toyota begins three-day test at Jerez

On Tuesday the Toyota F1 team began its test program at Jerez. The team brought its test driver Franck Montagny and Kohei Hirate. The couple completed over 160 laps at the Spanish track.

Toyota had the track to itself for the start of a three-day test. Franck Montagny returned to the car and was joined by Toyota Young Driver Programme member Kohei Hirate to continue the team's evaluation of the 2007 Bridgestone tyres. Montagny and Hirate also worked on suspension set-ups as they continue to draw the maximum performance from the new rubber. As well as tyre and set-up work, some software evaluation took place and the drivers also practiced several launches with the target of perfecting starts for 2007.

Franck Montagny commented on today's work: "Today's running was quite good. I worked well with the car and I am pretty happy with the work we did. We were expecting a few problems today because we were the only ones driving on the track. We thought we would have some graining of the tyres but that was not the case. The car worked well and I am pleased because it has improved quite a lot since I drove last Wednesday. We did a couple of long runs today and they seemed to go well, the car is quite steady and now we are looking forward to tomorrow."

Kohei Hirate said: "The whole day I didn't have any problems and the car was fun to drive. At the end I was a bit tired because it was very hard to keep performing at a high level. The conditions were different to last time so it is hard to compare but we found a good set-up for this tyre and for tomorrow I think the team can start from a good position. This is my second time testing with Toyota and I am feeling more comfortable within the team."

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