The test on the circuit of Magny ...
Published on 17 June 1998 by Verstappen Info Page
The test on the circuit of Magny Cours was very prosperous. As said, it was only to familiarise with the car.
A lot of time was spent on the height adjustment of the steering wheel. Besides that, the team had to replace an engine which took some time. Jos has driven 30 laps and he is very pleased with the car and the motivation of the team. Tonight they have to work as well because they have to make a new seat for Jos.
Jos drove a total of 30 laps with a fastest time of 1:20.55 carrying 40 KGs of petrol. Rubens Barrichello set his fastest time after 52 laps in 1:18.71 carrying 10 KGs of petrol. On the same conditions (both carrying 40 kgs) Rubens set a time of 1:20.30, 0.25 sec faster then Jos. Like today, tomorrow will also be used for Jos to get used to the car and get it more comfortable. His new chair will be build in a way that he will sit lower in the car, making it easier for the airflow to enter the hole above his head.
After the first day of testing Jos commented: "I am very pleased with the session of today, certainly when we look at the difference of 0.25 sec to Rubens under same conditions. I have to get used to the braking of the car, however we are working very hard on it. I am also very pleased with the organisation of the professional team of Stewart-Ford. Tomorrow we will perform likewise testing meaning not going for the fastest lap times but concentrate on the behaviour of the car.
Pictures by Frits van Eldik
