Mugello Test - Day One: 16 February.
Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello finished the first test with the new F1-2000 at Mugello full of confidence for the season ahead.
Schumacher was returning to the cockpit for the first time since complaining of neck pains on his initial acquaintance with the car, but reported that there were no such problems this time around. The German completed 35 laps of a soaking wet circuit in the afternoon, and expressed his delight with the balance of the car.
Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello finished the first test with the new F1-2000 at Mugello full of confidence for the season ahead.
Schumacher was returning to the cockpit for the first time since complaining of neck pains on his initial acquaintance with the car, but reported that there were no such problems this time around. The German completed 35 laps of a soaking wet circuit in the afternoon, and expressed his delight with the balance of the car.
"It's handling is good - even in the wet," he confided, "and, as far as I am concerned, this season has got off to a far better start than last year, because then we had a problem setting the car up in the wet.
"I think now that our biggest problems are behind us. There are bound to be a few little niggles, but there is time to sort them out. The season is starting a week later than in 1999, and the Ferrari has come out a week later, so we have the same time to verify the reliability of the F1-2000. What's more, our understanding of the chassis is better this year because there haven't been any big rule changes.
"Best of all, however, my neck is not hurting any more, and the stiffness has gone."
Team-mate Barrichello had taken an older F399 out in the morning session, primarily to familiarise himself with a circuit he has not driven on for almost decade. Again, the rain made things tricky for the Brazilian but, he too, was pleased with the progress made during the day.
"The last time I drove on this track was eight years ago - in an F3000 car," he smiled, "but I reckon this first learning day was useful. It's just a shame that it was raining. However, I am happy with what I did today in the F399, and I cannot wait to drive this track in the new car."
The test continues today [Thursday] with both drivers expected to be present.
Leading performances (16 February):
Michael Schumacher Ferrari-Ferrari 1min 32.435secs 35 laps
Rubens Barrichello Ferrari-Ferrari* 1min 35.683secs 41 laps
[* denotes 1999 chassis]
