Viso makes Formula One debut with Spyker MF1 12 Oct 2006
Venezuelan driver Ernesto Viso braved heavy rain and strong winds at Silverstone on Wednesday to complete his first Formula One test with Spyker MF1. Viso will serve as the team’s third driver at next weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
"Despite very difficult rainy conditions I think we did some good work,” said Viso. “I really enjoyed my first run in an F1 car and I am looking forward to Brazil. The factory team and the whole Spyker MF1 test crew have been fantastic and really have worked hard. They weren’t scared of getting wet to keep sending me back out of the garage!"
Viso’s test wasn’t just aimed at familiarising the 21-year-old GP2 star with the car. He also contributed to Spyker MF1’s development programme in preparation for the final round of the season at Interlagos.
"Ernesto did a good job today, familiarising himself with the team and the car's control systems,” reported Dominic Harlow, head of race and test engineering. “We began to accumulate mileage on some development gearbox parts and several control systems development items. Despite the bad weather Ernie impressed the team with his enthusiasm and approach and I'm sure he will make a very useful contribution to the programme in Brazil in ten days time."
"Ernesto did very well today,” added team principal Colin Kolles. “The conditions were not great but I understand that he handled the car well and his feedback to our test engineers was excellent. He has helped Spyker MF1 team with some important development work that we were undertaking. I have watched Ernesto closely in GP2 this season and have been very impressed with his performances, I look forward to seeing him drive at Interlagos and have little doubt that he is ready for the challenge."
Along with Renault, Spyker MF1 will continue testing at Silverstone on Thursday, with Markus Winkelhock and Christijan Albers taking over the driving duties.
