F1 Test: Jerez Day, 1
The team’s first testing action since the start of the 2009 Formula One season in March got underway today with the first day of the Young Driver test in Jerez.
Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson are driving for the team this week in the Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 car.
Mike began the on-track action this morning completing 58 laps as he acclimatised to the car and then worked through an aerodynamic evaluation. Marcus took over for the afternoon session for his first drive in a Formula One car and had the opportunity to familiarise himself with the BGP 001 and the circuit over 50 laps.
F1 Test: Jerez Day, 2
The second day of the Young Driver test in Jerez got underway this morning with Mike Conway continuing his driving duties in the Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 car. Mike worked through a number of set-up changes with the car before a short rain shower briefly interrupted the track action. He continued his programme after lunch for a further three runs to complete 83 laps in total today.
Marcus Ericsson took over the BGP 001 to conclude the team’s programme for the remainder of the afternoon session. Marcus completed 37 laps as he continued his familiarisation programme with the car.
F1 Test: Jerez Day, 3
The third and final day of the Young Driver test in Jerez got underway this morning with overnight rain resulting in a damp track for the early laps. Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson were again in action for the team with Mike completing 77 laps in the morning and Marcus taking over the car for the afternoon and completing 49 laps as the pair concluded the test programme by working through a series of set-up evaluations.
Mike Conway “I’ve really enjoyed the last few days in Jerez and it was great to be asked back by the team to take part in the testing programme. The team had a great season and the chance to drive the World Championship winning car and experience its performance for myself has been amazing. We achieved some good work and it has been a nice way to end the season. Thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity.”
Marcus Ericsson “It’s been a very exciting week and a dream come true to have the opportunity to drive a Formula One car particularly with the World Championship winning team. It’s been a really good experience for me to work with such a professional team and I am thankful to Brawn GP and Mercedes for giving me this opportunity. The car is very impressive. It’s so quick and the biggest difference from the F3 car has to be the power of the braking. I feel that I have adapted well to the car this week and I’m very happy with the progress that I have made.”
Ross Brawn “Mike and Marcus have done a very good job during the test in Jerezthis week. It has been a busy programme with a wide variety of test items to cover and their technical input has been to a very high standard. We know Mike well from his previous tests with the team and his feedback has been to his usual excellent standard. Marcus had his first opportunity in a Formula One car this week and he has performed very well showing exceptional maturity in his approach and feedback.”
