27 January: Valencia Test Summary 25th - 27th January 2005
In preparation for the 2005
FIA Formula One World Championship, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team today concluded a three day test at the Valencia circuit, in Spain. Nick
Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia were on duty for the team and completed an intensive schedule of development work on the interim FW26
chassis despite poor weather conditions. This week also represented the final test prior to the team's launch on Monday when the
announcement of Mark Webber's team mate will be made.
Andy Priaulx joined the team on the last day of the test and
successfully completed 64 laps of the Valencia circuit on his first outing in a current Formula One car. Priaulx's opportunity was
afforded by BMW as a reward for claiming the 2004 European Touring Car Championship in a 320i with the BMW Team Great Britain. Next
season, Guernsey-based Priaulx will contest the new FIA World Touring Car Championship with BMW Great Britain.
Sam Michael
(Technical Director, WilliamsF1): This was our last test using the FW26C interim cars, during which Antonio and Nick worked on
tyre testing for Michelin, traction control and general set-ups. Although the conditions were dry, it was cold and windy which made
driving consistently difficult. However, we covered good mileage to improve the reliability on various parts. On the last day of the
test, Andy Priaulx drove one of the FW26s. It was Andy's first time in a Formula One car and he handled himself well. We are
currently in the middle of the build period for the FW27, in preparation for its first test next week, to be held in Valencia.
Mario
Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): In Valencia, we worked with the new BMW P84/5 engines, working on its set-up, practising
starts and putting mileage on the units. Not every problem has been resolved yet, but we are working hard and the engine
specification for Melbourne will shortly be running on the dyno. Finally, the performance of our European Touring Car Champion, Andy
Priaulx, was pleasing. He drove 64 consistent laps and, had it not been for technical problems, he undoubtedly would have improved
his lap times."
Andy Priaulx: First of all, I want to thank BMW and WilliamsF1 for giving me this unique
opportunity. It was the first time for me behind the wheel of a current Formula One car and it was a great experience, and
completely different in every respect to anything I have done in the past. In the weeks before the test, I did special exercises
under the guidance of a physiotherapist in order to prepare my neck muscles. It was worth every effort, as my neck hasn't hurt at
all. A few weeks ago, I also arranged a test with my former Formula 3 team to refresh my left-food-braking, I'm pleased I did! I'd
like to have achieved a better lap time, but, just as I went out on fresh tyres, testing was interrupted due to an incident by
someone else on the track.
Valencia daily best times (Best lap time of the day in bold) Best lap / Total number of laps
