22/01/2005
NEWS STORY
Bridgestone Motorsport concluded its week of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya today where Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello completed two days of running apiece. After initial concerns that the recent resurfacing of the track would hinder the test programme, it became clear that once the surface had been washed and cars had put rubber down on the surface, conditions would steadily improve, enabling the team to go ahead as planned.
Commenting on the new track surface Bridgestone Motorsport Technical Manager Hisao Suganuma said: ""nitially, the track was very slippery as there was a lot of dust resulting in very low grip. But the circuit washed the surface overnight on Monday, improving the grip considerably and by Tuesday afternoon we were confident that we could proceed with the test. The surface characteristics have changed, however, as a result of the new tarmac. Barcelona was previously renowned for having quite an abrasive surface but it is now relatively smooth so we may reconsider our compound choice for this circuit."
Bridgestone brought approximately 1,000 tyres comprising of 15 different dry weather specifications to the Spanish circuit outside Barcelona this week, where both Schumacher and Barrichello methodically worked their way through the set tyre programmes. Concentrating on construction and compound performance, Bridgestone’s aim was to take its initial findings from the pre-Christmas tests one step further.
"During the course of the previous tests last November and December, we established a good basis of understanding about the strength and durability characteristics that would be required from our tyres this year following the regulation changes. This week we were able to test the tyres which had been manufactured as a result of those tests. Concentrating on finding a high performing, durable tyre, we completed several long runs this week and have been pleased with the data we have gathered," concluded Suganuma.