Breaking News:Rick Barnes Tests for SauberWithout a drive for the next Grand Prix Australian Formula 1 hopeful Rick Barnes ran on the First Day of the First Mid Season Test at Italy’s Imola circuit with Sauber Mercedes. The links with the Mercedes and Illmor branding of his most current drive, Pacific Garnd Prix was the link allowing for the test. Barnes was allowed out for a couple of runs throughout the day and set some reasonable times. After stepping out of the cockpit, the Australian was clearly thrilled with his ride in the Sauber Mercedes C13
Q: Rick, how was the test for you? Driving the Sauber how was it different from the Pacific Grand Prix Car you usually drive?
Rick Barnes: The Sauber was very comparable with the Pacific but obviously the Sauber was different as the team has chosen a different route with aero and other things that make it different to drive. But yes it was fun.
Q: You completed 75 laps and you didn’t seem to have any problems, so are you satisfied with your performance?
RB: Yes, overall I am happy. When I started, I focused on understanding quickly how the car works, and over the course of the day, I tried to improve and work simultaneously on the settings. In the morning, it didn’t work so well but towards the end of the afternoon session, the times were going down - and I had the impression that I can do even better.
Q: At tests it is always difficult to judge the times of other drivers, as you never know what fuel load or set-ups the others are running. But the fact that you have been two seconds quicker than Mika Hakkinen, someone highly rated in Formula One circles, must leave you with a pretty good feeling…
RB: Yes, indeed. When I started this morning I didn’t know where I would be in the end. We had low fuel and new tyres but when you use new tyres it is the first lap that is best, but I always need to get in the rhythm again. So I probably lost my opportunity to do better. But I am satisfied that I consistently improved over the course of the day.
Q: Was the C13 easier or more difficult than you expected?
RB: That is difficult to say. I am happy because at the end of the afternoon session I was really feeling comfortable in the car. I made a few mistakes and but luckily no big moments, I just tried to improve without taking big risks. And in the end, the time was not so bad - and I know now that I can go faster.
Q: How are you feeling? You managed to go faster than some of the other drivers that are currently in-front of you in the Championship
RB: I am Confident that I did a good job and as you said other drivers are on different programs and it is hard to gauge on how fast everyone is
Q: Will you test for Sauber again in the near future?
RB: That’s a good question. I would like to, but that depends on my time and if I get a drive for the next Grand Prix. At the moment I am just focused on getting a drive in the a Grand Prix, but yes it would be nice.
Q: What is your current contract with Pacific Grand Prix, Will you be racing in France?
RB: My current contract ran out at last times Canadian Grand Prix where I finished strongly. I am only on a race by race contract but hopefully I pleased the team and it was enough to get another drive in France. But I am certainly open to other vacancies to other teams at the moment.
Some Pictures of Rick Barnes in the Sauber Meceds C13 at Imola
Testing Continues tomorrow from Imola
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2012 01:51PM by torana_05.