Afternoon update from Mugello

Published on 16 September 2003 by Huub Rothengatter

They are having a time out at Mugello. The PS03 engine has reached its maximum mileage and has to be replaced. The PS04 cars are being worked on too; the gearbox ratios are being adjusted. The gearbox is one of the biggest differences between the PS03 and PS04. The ex-Arrows have a 7 speed gearbox and the PS03 only has 6. The other difference is that Arrows managed to manufacure a gearbox out of carbon fibre. Not an easy development considering a gearbox generated a lot of warmth and carbon fibre cannot get rid of that energy easily. Above all it is a great positive to the weight of the car. Besides Arrows also the Stewart team tried to manufacture a carbon fibre gearbox but shelved the plan due to the problems they faced.

Kiesa has done his first laps and all we can say is that he was slower than Jos. Later more news and photographs.