Today Tyrrell has tested again at the ...
Published on 18 February 1997 by Verstappen Info Page
Today Tyrrell has tested again at the circuit of Silverstone. The three day test session was originally scheduled for Estoril but was moved to Silverstone due to the truckers strike in Spain (see our previous item). Tonight we spoke with Jos and asked him how this first testing day went: As is becoming usual at Tyrrell Jos was again very pleased with the way things went at today's test session. Both Jos and Mika have driven today and had the circuit for themselves. Most of the testing was done in the afternoon from 2 to 5 because it was dry weather then. In today's session Jos has driven about 35 laps and had a best time of 1:27.8. Mika Salo who also drove this afternoon set a best time of 1:30.2 in similar circumstances, so Jos was about 2,5 seconds faster than Mika!
The set-up of the car was OK very quickly so Jos had a nice drive this afternoon. The Goodyear tyres that were used were quite hard, this became obvious due to the fact that Jos set his best time on tyres that were already used for 20 laps. The softer tyres were still in a truck in Estoril (also see our previous item). The team has already further developed the car compared to the first test sessions. The wishbones of the front wheel suspension are now completely made out of carbon-fibre, instead of the previously used metal. The adjustments for Jos' car to the steering column aren't ready yet, and this might possibly last until after the first Grand Prix. Due to this Jos has to be a bit extra careful to not get his foot stuck while braking. Jos' car has another clutch cylinder so the clutch is a bit more sensitive while starting. Besides that he has an adjusted steering wheel which is mounted a bit closer to Jos.
Tomorrow Jos and Mika will also drive together and on thursday Jos will drive together with Toranosuke Takagi who will then be using Salo's car. After this test session the car will be completely dismantled and mounted again. On February 26 the very important final shake-down test will take place at the circuit of Silverstone. Every car will be driven for a few laps to see if all is functioning well. If all goes well the team will then have three cars ready. After that it all starts for real at the first GP of Australia.
Jacques Villeneuve has set a new track record of 1:18.36 at the circuit of Estoril this afternoon in his Williams-Renault. Just minutes before Gerhard Berger had set the track record to 1:18.65 in his Benetton-Renault. Jordan and Minardi also tested at Estoril today.
