Bernoldi returns to F1 cockpit
Former Arrows Grand Prix driver Enrique Bernoldi returned to the cockpit with BAR at Silverstone on Thursday, almost two years after he last drove a Formula 1 car in anger. He is scheduled to complete more tests with the team at Jerez in Spain later this month
Bernoldi's F1 comeback may not have attracted the same attention as that of Jacques Villeneuve this week, but it marks the culmination of two years hard effort by the Brazilian and his highly respected manager Didier Coton.
There seemed to be little chance of Bernoldi making it back to F1 after his career appeared to have been wiped out with the doomed Arrows team in 2002, but Bernoldi's race-winning success in the World Series by Nissan category and Coton's excellent links in the F1 paddock have earned him a second chance.
Speaking to autosport.com about returning to F1, Bernoldi said: "It feels very good and I am glad to be back. When I finished with Arrows I had some unfinished business after going out that way.
"But I am happy to be back joining a team like BAR. It is many years since I have driven a good car now, so it is great. I am looking forward to helping the team."
Bernoldi only got into the BAR for the afternoon session at Silverstone and his running was hampered by suspected gearbox problems, but he is hoping that his runs at Jerez will convince the team to take up an option it has on his services for the next two years.
"The team has an option on me and it is up to them to decide," he said. "My part is to do my best and try to develop the car as much as I can."
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