Gene: Test ban has increased efforts

The Spaniard, whose input has been hailed by team members as an important part of its recent success, says the test ban will make life harder for everyone involved when it is lifted on January 1, 2002.

"I've seen the test schedule for next year and, from what I hear, I don't think that many people think the winter testing ban was a good idea," said Gene. "It was designed to cut costs but all it has made us do is raise our effort in testing.

"For next year the team needs an extra test driver, so it's increased the whole test team effort. It's difficult for everybody, even the mechanics, who will go to Barcelona for the first week of January and probably not go back home until the cars go to Australia at the end of February," he added.

Race team driver Ralf Schumacher has acknowledged Gene's input as a key element of the team.

"Marc does a fantastic job," said Ralf. "He's there to save us for the Grands Prix. There's a lot of testing to be done and having Marc in the team really helps."