JANUARY 21, 2002
McLaren, Sauber kick off Barcelona test
Coulthard got his first taste of the new MP4/17, completing 60 laps, interrupted briefly by a minor mechanical problem in the morning session.
"It's good and it [the MP4/17] feels like it's got potential , although it's early days yet," said the Scotsman. "The truth will be discovered in Melbourne. It is certainly better in some areas than last year's car. We've covered a number of laps and there are no major problems. We've tried lots of different set-ups and all are positive."
Heidfeld tested the new Sauber C21 with a 2001 spec Ferrari 050 engine. "It is important that the initial feeling of a car is good and this was very good," Heidfeld said. "I'm not driving 100% on the limit yet and we have new pieces coming. We've tried basic set-ups to see which direction to go for and we will carry on will our program tomorrow."
Jaguar is expected to join the test on Tuesday.
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