Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Abu Dhabi/Yas Marina, UAE, Nov 20, 2010

Michael Schumacher was in action for the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team today for the second and final day of the Pirelli tyre test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.


Michael continued the programme begun by team-mate Nico Rosberg yesterday and revisited many of the set-up evaluations to further improve the team’s understanding of the new tyres. Michael covered 74 laps over the day.

Michael Schumacher: “Today was my first day of testing for 2011 and I feel that we had an interesting session. We gathered a lot of data and insights, and have positive feedback from our first impression of the new tyres. I am probably the only driver to have driven with Pirelli tyres before but it was 20 years ago and I didn’t have any certain expectations before today. In terms of consistency, it looked quite good but we were using the 2010 car today and it will be all about how these tyres suit our 2011 car. I am already curious to try it out but at the same time I am looking forward to having a break now. I am sure the guys are too and they clearly deserve it. I would like to thank all of them for the good job they have done over the season and I have massively enjoyed working with them.”

Ross Brawn: “Michael and Nico have now completed their first days in the car on Pirelli tyres and both have been impressed. This week’s test has been very productive for us and comes at a time when we can use the information gathered here to fine-tune the detail of our 2011 car and optimise the areas which we believe will be critical. Pirelli have done an excellent job to get these tyres to where they are now after such a short period of time and we are looking forward to working closely with them through the winter test programme at the start of next year.”

TIMES

1. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:40.529, 105 laps
2. Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP, 1:40.685, 74
3. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:40.825, 66
4. Rubens Barrichello, Williams, 1:41.294, 101
5. Robert Kubica, Renault, 1:41.614, 90
6. Gary Paffett, McLaren, 1:41.622, 46
7. Oliver Turvey, McLaren, 1:41.740, 30
8. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:41.869, 35
9. Kamui Kobayashi, BMW Sauber, 1:42.110, 43
10. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso, 1:42.145, 98
11. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:42.416, 46
12. Sergio Perez, BMW Sauber, 1:42.777, 46
13. Jarno Trulli, Lotus, 1:44.521, 83
14. Pastor Maldonado, HRT, 1:44.768, 65
15. Timo Glock, Virgin, 1:44.783, 82




* Official details courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Source of the photos >> F1 Fanatic

Timing sheet: Formula 1™

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.