De Ferran Tests '99 Honda
©1999 SpeedCenter Publishing
First test with new powerplant at Firebird
Driver: Gil de Ferran
Car: #5 Valvoline/Cummins Special Honda-Reynard 99
Track: Firebird East - Phoenix, AZ
Test days: January 21-22, 1999
Miles ran: 250 miles (2 days)
Test: Goodyear tire test
Best Lap Time: 43.0 seconds
Atmospheric conditions: 21st - very windy; 22nd - cool, sunny
Other drivers also testing:
Paul Tracy, Team Kool Green - Honda/Reynard/Firestone (43.0 range)
Tony Kanaan, Tasman Motorsports - Honda/Reynard/Firestone ( 43.5 range)
Alex Baron, All American Racer - Toyota/Reynard/Goodyear (44.0 range)
Team Owner - Derrick Walker:
"Good start; it's a pity the weather took some
of our test time. Firebird is a difficult place to gauge results because the
track conditions change a fair bit and the tire companies do not develop tires
just for Firebird. For example, the tires we tested with were not meant for
there, and so they had about 10 to 15 laps in them before they went off, so
it's difficult to know who's doing what."
Team Manager - Rob Edwards:
"Our test was cut short by the weather
conditions on the first day, the wind blew sand onto the track which made it
impossible to get any real feedback. Day two was a better day, we were able
to shake down the car and Honda's latest version of their championship
challenger. The car ran 250 trouble-free miles, and we were encouraged by the
new equipment."
Driver - Gil de Ferran:
"Obviously the conditions where not ideal, but I think
the new Reynard is a slight improvement over last year. We will get a better
idea in our next test in Sebring. However, the Honda 99 has definitely
improved from last year."
Tim Broyles will now assume the responsibility of Chief Mechanic on the #5
Valvoline/ Cummins car driven by de Ferran. Tim previously managed the test
team for Walker Racing. "Tim has been with the team for 5 years and is more
than qualified for the position, so it was a natural appointment," said
Derrick Walker.
Next test is scheduled at Sebring, Florida, January 28-29, 1999.
Source: Walker Racing
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