Williams tests without traction control

Juan Pablo Montoya and test driver Marc Gene drove their FW24s without traction control for a portion of the four-day test at Valencia last week. The ban on traction control and fully automatic gearboxes comes into effect in time for the British Grand Prix on July 20.

"Both drivers have undertaken a full programme of traction development, during which they have conducted some runs without traction or launch control," said Sam Michael, chief operations engineer. "Marc has driven hard which has enabled progression of engine, gearbox and brake systems work on the interim FW24D chassis, while Juan has been concentrating on tyre testing, suspension developments and launch control. During the tyre testing, Michelin have found another promising compound and we have also verified a gain in tyre construction. The Michelin engineers are making really good progress, which is encouraging at this point of the year."

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen was satisfied with the work achieved on the engine side with its new P83 unit in Valencia.

"We have been able to complete an extensive engine development programme during the Valencia test," he said. "We had no unexpected incidents and we are pleased with the progress achieved. Our tasks were divided between testing new components for the P83 BMW engine as well as working on the engine's mapping. Step by step, we are finalising the engine's configuration for Melbourne."