Damon Hill had his first test with Bridgestone tyres on the Suzuka (Japan) circuit today. He drove a 1994 Ligier Mugen-Honda. This session however was cut short because of a crash Hill experienced on the exit of the Hairpin Curve. Hill: "We had to stop because there was a small problem with the right-hand side of the car. Basically, it was not there any more."
"With cold tires on a cold track, there was very little grip and the car spun a long way. It hit the wall hard, which accounted for all the damage. It was a real shame because we were making such good progress," Hill added.
Hill clocked a best time of 1m 40.14s, this time is just eight tenth of a second slower than is quilifying time for the Grand Prix of Japan last month.
Hill said:"In spite of the accident, I really feel it was very worthwhile coming here to experience my first test with Bridgestone. If this short experience is anything to go by, I think it is going to be an extremely productive year. The first problem about being in a new team is trying to remember everybody's names, but I should get on top of that soon. The thing I can say is that there is certainly added excitement to a change of environment. I spent six years at Williams and too much familiarity can be a bad thing. There is a lot of enthusiasm here and it felt very good to be back in the car again. It reminded me of why I do it; I got a real kick out of it. I am not under any illusions about next year. It is going to be a while before we get where we want to be, but there is no question that, however sceptical you might be, you cannot argue with Friday's lap times. It was certainly very encouraging. I get a good feeling working with the team and talking to the team, and there is a lot of excitement about the upcoming season. I am really keen to see the new car when it comes out in January."
Nicola Larini continued to test mechanical parts for the 1997 Ferrari on the Fiorano circuit. The Italian clocked a best time of 1m 01.73s over 41 laps.
Jos Verstappen has denied that Philips Car Systems is not going to sponosr him in 1997. He said that the deal had just not been made yet.