Benetton Aiming to Move Up in Brazil

Benetton's new aerodynamic package will allow drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Jenson Button to close the gap on their rivals in Brazil, according to technical director Mike Gascoyne.

The pair tested the B201 in Barcelona last week in an attempt to increase their performance after trailing their mid-field rivals in the timesheets this season.

Gascoyne said: "Malaysia was obviously a tough race with high temperatures, but we were pleased in general with the reliability of the cars which was a step forward from Australia, the first race of the season.

"We tested a new bodywork package (in Barcelona) with several major updates and this will be incorporated on the cars in Brazil.

"The new aero package gave us positive results in testing and so we hope it will help us improve our performance in comparison to our competitors."

Chief engineer Pat Symonds is also hoping that Fisichella and Button can repeat their 2000 performance, where both driver finished in the points at Interlagos.

"Last year this was a good race for both of our drivers with Giancarlo qualifying fifth and finishing second in the race," Symonds said. "And Jenson, in only his second race, qualified ninth and gained his first point."