Pantano Flies in Williams test

[BootsOntheSide]

F3000 runner-up Giorgio Pantano was mighty impressive in Valencia testing, his first test in a Williams, on a track he'd never previously raced at (I think), running only just over a second slower than Montoya, and a second FASTER than Marc Gene, who has 2 years of Williams experience. Admittedly, he drove more laps than either, but still, a fine debut in an F1 car. Perhaps Frank will give him a spot next eyar, or farm him out to CART as he did with Juan.

[ghinzani]

Ahh but what spec was Gene's car in? the test driver tends to be weighed down with new parts, odler tyres etc

[sonic]

It wasn't strictly his F1 debut - Flav tried him out a few years back I recall and was so underwhealmed he never bothered to call him back. Hes certainly gone well this time though - be good to see him in F1, real gritty charger and prone to the odd ridiculous mistake (spinning off on warm up laps etc) which always livens things up!

[Chris Gray]

I find lap times from testing pretty misleading. Like ghinzani said, you don't know what spec drivers are running and how much fuel they're carrying.

[a_r_c_a]

Every little thing about his face....

[Russfeld]

Yeah Pantano's tested for Benetton and Mclaren.

I was *seriously* impressed with Liuzzi's pace

[SALEEN S7R]

Originally posted by BootsOntheSide
F3000 runner-up Giorgio Pantano was mighty impressive in Valencia testing, his first test in a Williams, on a track he'd never previously raced at (I think), running only just over a second slower than Montoya, and a second FASTER than Marc Gene, who has 2 years of Williams experience. Admittedly, he drove more laps than either, but still, a fine debut in an F1 car. Perhaps Frank will give him a spot next eyar, or farm him out to CART as he did with Juan.

As I said Pantano is world class, as soon as he gets a F1 seat either next season or 2004 he will soon show ppl the potential he has.

[Sodemo]

Spinning off on warm up laps? Though surely thats a Williams requirement for employment (see David Coulthard Monza 95)

[Russfeld]

DC went off beause of wheelbearing issues

[Guy Goddard2]

Originally posted by Russfeld
DC went off beause of wheelbearing issues

Oh yeah and I supposed he hit the pit wall in Australia because someone had moved the pit wall without telling him!!!


Wheelbearing???, Williams brief after the race said oil left on track, meaning car fine, driver a prat.

[Russfeld]

he DNF'd a few laps later with wheelbearing problems.


And DC was one of three drivers who lost it in the Adelaide pit entry that year

[Guy Goddard2]

Originally posted by Russfeld
he DNF'd a few laps later with wheelbearing problems.


And DC was one of three drivers who lost it in the Adelaide pit entry that year

But none achieved it better than Coulthard..the Auzzie comentator at the time couldn't control himself
"and here comes David Coulthard for his pitstop he needs a good time to retain...oh crikey hes planted into the pit wall what a prat the Williams team won't give him a lift home tonight Peter.

"Your right Alan just what was he doing, a classic rookie error which you simply dont do at this level"