The Tyrrell team ended their testsession at ...

Published on 01 February 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

The Tyrrell team ended their testsession at Barcelona yesterday. On Friday only Mika Salo drove the new car, his first real test on a dry track with the 025. The Finn did 54 laps with a quickest time of 1m23.3s so Jos was the fastest Tyrrell man in Barcelona with his time of 1m22.6 set on Thursday.

Verstappen said to be very satisfied on the car's behaviour on the track. 'The car is a lot more neutral than last year's Arrows which always suffered from understeer. The tyres need some improvement, but that's currently being worked on', according to a satisfied Jos.

The team will now return to the factory in England where the second car (the one Jos will race) is about to be completed. This chassis is adjusted to the specifications of Jos and will give him more room for his feet. Verstappen will test this car next week in Jerez.

Reigning world constructor champion Williams presented their new car, the FW19, yesterday. The team did not need to make major changes to the '96 design so it does not look much different from it's predecessor. According to Technical Director Patrick Head the main change for the new car is an improved gearbox. Renault enters their final season as an official engine supplier on a high with the new RS9 engine which will be even beter that the old type.

Almost all the topteams have presented their new cars now. Only Mclaren still needs some time. The new MP4-12 has already been tested and will be shown in the new West colours on 13 February.