Williams Pleased with Barcelona Results

The Williams-BMW team covered more than 2000 kilometers during the three days of testing at the Barcelona circuit, completing an extensive programme mainly aimed to test the new Michelin tyres.

"We achieved over 2184 km of mileage during these three days and overall we are pleased with what we have learned, particularly on tyres and the new 2001 engine," said Test Team Manager Tim Newton.

"We are expecting Ralf [Schumacher] to make a rapid recovery from his unfortunate flu virus and this will allow us to run a three-chassis programme in Estoril next week."

Ralf Schumacher, fastest during the second day of testing, was forced to skip the final day of work, while teammate Juan Pablo Montoya and test driver Marc Gene carried on working, and both were happy with the results.

"We have worked quite successfully on various areas over the past three days and I am encouraged by what we have achieved," said Gene on Thursday. "Today was spent predominantly on tyre evaluation and I must say that the Michelin rubber has improved since last week's test in Jerez.

"We also continued with engine development and also worked on set-up. Given that I have experienced both Ralf's car and mine, I have subsequently got a good feel for the 2000 engine versus the new 2001 V10. The new engine is coming along very well indeed."

Colombian Montoya was also very happy with his progress at the Catalan track.

"I had a good day," he said. "It was a shame that my track time was interrupted by two red flags just as we were on new tyres and that prevented me from getting the best out of them. Apart from that we completed some longer runs and combined with my ever-increasing familiarity of the car, I am very happy with the results of the past three days."

The Williams team will now move onto Estoril, Portugal, for next week's three-day programme (19th-21st December).