Giancarlo Fisichella and Franck Montagny complete day one for Spyker
Giancarlo Fisichella and Franck Montagny kicked off the first day of the Force India Formula One Team’s test programme today at the Circuit de Jerez, southern Spain. Both drivers made their debut runs in the team’s burgundy and white challengers to aid the team with its extensive development programme this week.
‘It’s my first day back in the car nearly two months after the last race in Brazil, plus my first with another car and new engine, and of course without the electronics. Considering this I am quite happy about how the day went though,” Fisi said. “We did have a couple of issues so I didn’t run as much as I would have liked; with new tyres I had a problem with the hydraulic pressure, and when I tried out the slick tyres there was a problem on the diff so we didn’t get a proper idea of how the tyres will work. All the same I do think it’s been a positive day though and a good basis for tomorrow.’
The duo worked through a schedule of chassis development, general set-up work and continuing evaluation of the new-for-2008 standard ECU package, under which traction control is banned. In the afternoon, Fisichella also tried the ’slick’ Bridgestone Potenza development tyre.
Although the day went without major drama, the day was marred by several red flag periods and some minor mechanical issues and spins from both drivers, however with three further days of testing, the team is optimistic of completing its overall programme.
In total the team covered 118 laps, more than 500km, with both drivers evenly matched throughout the day. Fisichella finished a shade quicker with a lap of 1:21.424, set on the slick tyres, while Montagny’s best lap was a 1:21.559.
Fisichella will remain in the car for a second day’s testing, while Montagny hands over the wheel to Austrian Christian Klien.
