Spyker MF1 Silverstone test notes 2006-09-19

Spyker MF1 Silverstone test day one notes and day two preview

Dominic Harlow, Chief Race and Test Engineer:

“Adrian Valles started today by completing 28 laps in his first F1 test. His times improved throughout the day. We are very happy with his feedback and approach. Christijan Albers took over for the remaining 49 laps to run a tyre programme for the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. We are satisfied with the completion of our programme for the first day of this test.”

Christijan Albers:

“Today was a satisfying test and I am happy with the tyre work we have completed for the upcoming races. We obviously still have to score that first point so it is as important as ever to ensure we make as much progress as possible during these sessions. I was happy with how the car felt and am looking forward to getting back racing when we arrive in China in 10 days time.”

Adrian Valles:

“Driving an F1 car for the first time was an amazing experience for me today. I really like the Silverstone circuit as its high-speed corners are a real challenge. I think towards the end of the day that my lap times began to improve and I would like to thank the team and engineers for the support that they gave me today.”

In response to Adrian Valles’ first drive of an F1 car David Serra (Valencia Regional Minister for Sport) said “Our regional government have supported a motorsport programme for many years. Adrian represents the success of this programme and he exactly matches the expectations of those involved in this project."

"He has successfully graduated through each of the regional series championships and it is a proud moment for all of those from the Valencia community that he has tested an F1 car. The trajectory of his career is as we had hoped and at this age we are sure that he can begin to realise his true potential. Today is the culmination of 8 years of development and we are extremely proud of Adrian as he is the first Spanish driver to enter F1 in this way.”

Test Preview: Wednesday 20th September 2006

MF1 Racing -- soon to be Spyker MF1 -- will continue their two-day test at Silverstone on Wednesday 20th September with Ronnie Quintarelli driving the M16 car. Quintarelli has shown great promise in the Japanese Formula Nippon series and is a driver the team has been interested in testing for some time.

27 year old Quintarelli has been driving for the Inging Motorsport team in Japan for the last 5 years before competing in the European Formula Renault 2000 series. Born in Negrar, Italy and graduating through a number of karting championships in his home country Ronnie is a driver with a great deal of potential.

At this crucial stage in the season the team have chosen to assess the talents of a number of emerging drivers as part of their development programme.

Colin Kolles (Team Principal) said: “I am very happy to have Quintarelli driving for the team this week. I keep a close eye on the Japanese Formula Nippon Series as it has a good crop of emerging talent and I hope that Ronnie has a successful test with the team.

Ronnie Quintarelli said: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to drive an F1 car as this is an excellent step for my career. I have had some successful seasons in Japan and this is a great way to take a step forward. I would like to thank Dr Kolles and the team for the opportunity to test and the Inging Motorsport team in Japan for their support.”

Driver: Adrian Valles / Christijan Albers
Chassis: M16-01
Engine: Toyota RVX-06 GO156
Fastest Lap: Valles: 1:25.355 / Albers 1:22.060
Number of laps: Valles: 28 / Albers: 49
Distance: Valles: 144km / Albers: 252km

-credit: spyker mf1