Red Bull Testing

Barcelona Day 1Cars:                RB2-02 (MW) and RB2-05 (DC)Drivers:             David Coulthard:    75 laps       1: 19.692Mark Webber:        45 laps       1: 19.439Best time overall 1:17.160  (F. Massa, Ferrari)

Circuit length:      4.627km

Thirty seven days later…….Yes, the testing ban is over and thirty seven days after the Brazilian Grand  Prix,  the  sound  of  Formula  1  engines  was  heard  once  again.  While  David  Coulthard snuggled down into the familiar surroundings of his RB2 cockpit, it was a new experience for Mark Webber, as the Australian was having his first outing with Red Bull Racing.

Two elements of the day would have been familiar to our new driver: he knows some of the team members from when he and they wore Jaguar kit and secondly, with just one tyre manufacturer next season, he has already run with the Bridgestone Potenza tyres throughout the year. However, according to Chief Test  Engineer,  Ian  Morgan,  this  is  not  much  of  an  advantage:  "The tyres are Bridgestones, but they are a different spec to the ones used this season.

In fact, today and the next few tests are all about  developing  an  understanding  of  these  new  tyres  and  adapting  the  car  to  suit  their characteristics."

Webber's first outing was interrupted by a couple of minor problems, while Coulthard got through his entire programme. "It was good to be driving again and nice to see so many familiar faces in the team," commented Webber. Both men are back in action tomorrow, while Thursday sees David joined by Michael Ammermuller.


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