Arrows chassis impresses Minardi in test

The Arrows chassis, renumbered the PS04 by the team, lapped within 0.2s of the pace of the PS03 at the Mugello circuit in Italy, and the team has admitted that it is likely to form the basis of the team's 2004 car.

"The team has done a useful day's testing here in Mugello with the PS03 and PS04," said Stoddart. "Ultimately, there was nothing in the lap times between the two cars, but it is clear there is substantial development potential in the PS04. We will now return to the factory and analyse the data we've gathered, which will help us decide the direction we are going to take with our 2004 car."

Kiesa was enthused by the grip the PS04 offered. "When I ran on a new set of tyres, it was immediately obvious that the level of grip is absolutely amazing," he said. "I don't think I've ever felt as much grip in a race car in my life. The handling of the car was consistent and didn't degrade over the run, although the PS03 was very good to drive here as well."

Verstappen was pleased with the test, but reckoned more time was needed for a full evaluation.

"I think this was a good test," he said. "It would have been useful if we could have spent a bit more time with the PS04 chassis in order to find a better set-up, as we started the day without really knowing anything about the car. To be honest, one day is really not enough time to carry out a thorough comparison, but it is a good start."

Jos Verstappen Minardi-Cosworth PS03 B 1m25.4s 27
Jos Verstappen Minardi-Cosworth PS04 B 1m25.6s 27
Nicolas Kiesa Minardi-Cosworth PS04 B 1m28.2s 15
Nicolas Kiesa Minardi-Cosworth PS03 B 1m28.6s 19

B = Bridgestone