Barcelona to Solve Problem with Bumps

Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya will undergo work to correct some minor problems with the track's newly-laid asphalt.

The BAR, Renault and Sauber teams switched their scheduled Formula One tests from Barcelona to Valencia because of concerns about the lack of grip.

Ferrari, Williams, Toyota and Red Bull, however, stuck to their plans and tested at Barcelona, with World Champion Michael Schumacher lapping just around four tenths of a second off his pole position time at last year's Spanish Grand Prix.

Drivers have complained about some bumps, especially at the first corner, and works will be carried out within the next weeks to fix them.

A circuit official, however, told Atlas F1 that the work needed was minor and that it will be carried out on a single day.

He said none of the events scheduled at Barcelona, including Formula One testing, will be affected by the works.

"I'm happy about the four test days on the Circuit's new tarmac," said Fidel Sust, the circuit's general manager, after the end of the first test.

"The times obtained with Bridgestone and Michelin, the lack of incidents and the amount of kilometres done by the teams at Catalunya confirm the quality and adequate grip of the new tarmac.

"The teams proved their satisfaction and offered some suggestions to complete the delicate and demanding task of reasphalting the setting of the Formula One and MotoGP World Championships."