Tyrrell has put its first miles on ...

Published on 01 February 1998 by Verstappen Info Page

Tyrrell has put its first miles on the new 026. Toranosuke Takagi shook down the new car at a cold and damp Silverstone last Thursday. The Japanese drove 18 trouble free laps on the British Grand Prix circuit. During the test the car was fitted with the X-wings which will again be seen on selected races this season.

Both Takagi and the team were well spoken about the test. "I think this was a very good first run for the car", Takagi said. "There were no significant mechanical issues and although we had a little software problem in the morning this could be fixed during the lunch break. The new V10 feels good, it is really a big step forward compared to the V8. I know there is more to come from the car as we put on some mileage during the tests in Barcelona next week", the Japanese commented.

Tyrrell designer Harvey Postlethwaite was also very positive after the test. "The purpose of the test was really just to check the integrity of the car's mechanical and electrical systems. We discovered a small mechanical issue that needs to be sorted out back at our workshops. Other than that it worked out well although it is obviously too early to be making comments about our prospects for this season".

As most other team Tyrrell will head for Barcelona next week where the serious pre-season tests will start for the Ockham team.