Rubens Barrichello returned to Abu Dhabi on Friday to help Williams test the new Pirelli tyres that all teams will be using in 2011.
The team were still doing the aero development work that they began during the young drivers’ test earlier this week, but also started to evaluate the new tyres – with promising results.
“We completed more aero testing this morning and have collated some useful data,” said Tom McCullough, Senior Test Engineer. “We then started our evaluations of the Pirelli tyres. We tested both the medium and soft compounds and have learnt a lot about their different characteristics. They performed well so, overall, we've had a very positive first day with Pirelli.”
Barrichello also enjoyed his first taste of the new Pirelli rubber on a busy day of testing for the team. “We've had a busy schedule today with plenty of work to do,” commented the Brazilian. “This morning we evaluated aero set-up, before going for performance runs in the afternoon. This was our first session with the Pirelli tyres and I found it quite interesting. My initial impressions are positive and I look forward to working with them again tomorrow.”
Barrichello will be back in the FW32 on Saturday to conclude the Pirelli test.
