The weather conditions at Barcelona were fine ...

Published on 24 May 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

The weather conditions at Barcelona were fine this morning during the first free practice with an air temperature of 18 °C and a track temperature of 19 °C. Frentzen was willing for some fast times, since he was fastest this morning, almost one second faster then Alesi who became second. The rest of the top 6 was as followed: Michael Schumacher, Villeneuve, Hakkinen, and Berger.

Salo will drive during the complete day the new ED5 version of the Ford motor, while Jos will use the ED4 version during the free practice. The reason is that the team only has two engines available for the weekend. The differences in top speed between Salo and Jos were seen on the track, and at the end of the free practice, Salo became 12th almost 2 seconds faster then Jos who became 22nd and last but within the 107%. However Jos was only capable to drive one flying lap at the beginning of the free practice. All other sessions he had to come back in the pits after his first lap. This afternoon during the qualification, Jos will also use the ED5 version. If the motors will be used tomorrow is not known yet, and depends how the work today.

For a complete list with all times of the first free session you can take a look at our season page.