MARCH 24, 2001
Herbert backs Bernoldi
ARROWS test-driver Johnny Herbert has supported the team's stuttering driver Enrique Bernoldi and has rejected claims that he could replace the young Brazilian driver.
Herbert has offered his wealth of experience to Bernoldi, who has completed just five laps in the opening two Grands Prix of the season in Australia and Malaysia.
"I've just told Enrique to enjoy it," said Herbert. "It is not good mentally for him and the pressure will start to get more intense so it is important for him to get a good result soon.
"I haven't sat down and said to him 'Do this or do that' because it is too early. He has not done a long run yet.
"I'm only there as a test driver. If someone is ill or something then I'll step in, but it is not something I'm looking at."
Herbert, who joined Arrows in a shock move from Jaguar just before the start of the season, is pleased with the progress the team is making in testing and believes they have the capabilities to better last season.
Herbert has attended tests at Silverstone and Barcelona and is optimistic the work done in testing will benefit the team on race weekends.
He added: "I'm pleased with the way the tests have gone. We've all worked hard and we hope we've found a solution to the understeer problem we've been experiencing."