Testing continues at Barcelona

Published on 14 February 1999 by Thorsten Hendriks

In preparation of a Grand Prix in South Africa, the FIA agreed with the circuit of Kyalami to organise a test session for Formula 1 cars. Although rumours said that a lot of teams would participate, only the teams of Williams and BA racing left towards the sun. Both teams don't have to be sorry since the weather in Europe is very cold and far from ideal for F1 testing. South Africa is at this moment very hot with temperatures over 30 °C. That Formula 1 is very populair all over the world was made very clear by the fact that 27.000 people visited the test session so far.

Both on Saterday and Sundy, Ralf Schumacher was fastest with half a second in front of his team-mate Alex Zanardi, and 1 second in front of Villeneuve. The test gave several problems, since Villeneuve had to end his first session due to technical problems, while Zanardi damaged his car on Sunday after he went off the track. Williams did not bring all the necessary spares to repair the car, so Zanardi has to wait at least until Tuesday before his car will be ready again.

Ralf Schumacher in his Williams of 1999
Copyright 1999, Peter van Egmond

Jacques Villeneuve did not choose a colour yet
Copyright 1999, Peter van Egmond