Tyrrell finished their test session at Jerez ...

Published on 11 February 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

Tyrrell finished their test session at Jerez last Sunday. In total the team drove 384 trouble-free laps on the 2.75-mile circuit near Sevilla. According to Harvey Postlethwaite, Managing director Engineering of Tyrrell both car and engine have proven that they are very reliable, making it possible to finish the intensive test program one day ahead of schedule. According to his opinion, this is the most productive start to a Formula 1 season in the history of Tyrrell.

Jos was already able to finish his test program on Saturday. That morning he drove several short sessions to complete the set-up of his own car which was equipped with a new engine. During the afternoon he drove a complete Grand Prix distance of 60 laps, without any difficulties making a total of 84 laps that day. Jos commented that he was very satisfied with the team and the 025 car, and he is looking forward to the next test session in Estoril on February 18 thru 20.

Mika Salo used the Saturday for set-up of the car during short sessions and did a few practice starts. Salo used Sunday morning for further optimising of the set-up, completing his test session in the afternoon with a grand prix distance of three times 18 laps, also without difficulties. His fastest lap on Sunday was 1:22.35 which pleased him very well, since there is only a small gap with the top teams (best time that day by Jean Alesi in 1:21.10 while Berger drove 1:23.39).

Toranosuke Takagi (test driver of Tyrrell) drove in Jos' car on Sunday and did a total of 35 laps. At first he spun twice without damaging the car, but quickly found his rhythm with a best lap time of 1:24.62.

On Tuesday February 18, the team will resume testing at Estoril for three days. The third 025 car will be ready in time for the final pre-Melbourne test session at Silverstone on February 26.