Tyrrell has revealed some more details about ...

Published on 07 July 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

Tyrrell has revealed some more details about their test with a Tyrrell 025 adapted to 1998 regulations. Mika Salo completed 31 laps in this car on July 4 on Silverstone. Tyrrell's Deputy Technical Director, Mike Gascoyne commented: "It has been a very interesting and enlightening test with the narrow car, under somewhat difficult weather conditions and a changing track. The set-up and balance of the new car has altered quite drastically as one would expect, but we have gained a great deal of information and it has given us some clear pointers as to the direction we need to take in designing the new car."

After the test Mika Salo said: "It was much more difficult than I had expected. I felt as though I had no grip at all, so the speed through the corners was much slower and I found myself having to use the whole of the track. The car did not behave consistently, but it is not a fair reflection on the new rules to just put new pieces on this year's car and expect it to be driveable. The cars will be very different and I am sure we will have to get used to them."

Mike Gascoyne agrees. "The car is obviously very difficult to drive at present and there is a sharp drop-off in lap times, but I think you'll see us make some large gains in that respect as we develop the car. Drivers will always push a car to the limit of its grip, but it is up to us to make it as easy to drive as possible. Of course, when drivers try something for the first time they are quite outspoken, but I expect some big improvements to be made before the new car is unveiled next year."

In 1998 the overall width of the cars will be reduced from 2000mm to 1800mm and slick tyres will be replaced by tyres with grooves cut into the rubber, although the exact specifications regarding tyres have yet to be confirmed. Among other changes planned to improve the safety of Grand Prix racing are larger openings to driver cockpits.