Raikkonen and Massa set for BIC tests

by - 2/05/2009 09:59:00 p.m.


FERRARI'S Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa will be sharing testing duties in Bahrain next week.

This was confirmed to the GDN last night by Ferrari public relations manager Luca Colajanni.

The Formula One world champions will be testing at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) alongside BMW and Toyota. They will be on the track in two four-day sessions - first between February 10 and 13, and then between the 16th and 19th.

"Raikkonen and Massa will be committed to drive four days each. Only one car per day, as per testing agreement," Colajanni told the GDN.

The team will be working on general development and reliability of their F60 car, as the world championship opener in Melbourne draws closer.

"We are on schedule with regards to our [development] programme," added Colajanni.

Ferrari were the first F1 team to unveil their 2009 car this pre-season. The F60 features a lower, wider front wing and a taller, narrower rear wing, in line with revisions to F1 regulations. Its name commemorates what will be the team's 60th campaign in F1.

Raikkonen and Massa will be joined by fellow Grand Prix drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld of BMW, and Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock of Toyota, in testing. BMW reserve driver Christian Klien is also set to get track time.

The three F1 teams are reportedly spending more than £300,000 (BD164,000) each in coming to Bahrain compared to what they would have been required to spend testing in Europe, according to an official.

"We've never gone to Bahrain testing because the delta between staying in Europe and going out there is well over £300,000, so it's not really conducive to saving costs," Williams technical director Sam Michael told the autosport.com website.

"Most of the time, the weather is not bad through February and March. January is normally the worst month, so we just get on with it as we are. It doesn't affect normal development rate, it just affects your normal set-up progression."

Ferrari, however, like BMW and Toyota, expect Bahrain's warmer temperatures and drier conditions will benefit them in their preparations. Their most recent tests in Mugello, Italy, held last month were occasionally disrupted by rain.

"Weather was the crucial factor which addressed our decision [to come to Bahrain]," Colajanni said.

You May Also Like

0 comments