Written by:
Kevin Krefting
11/23/2006
Valencia, Spain
Alex Zanardi made an emotional return to the Formula 1 cockpit slightly earlier than expected when he completed a three-lap shakedown at Valencia in Spain on Thursday.
The Italian was not planned to test the BMW Sauber F1.06 until Saturday, but a change of schedule has not only allowed him to get out in the car early but also fired up the team to do everything they can to boost his speed.
Zanardi claimed that the mechanics' approach to him changed after he returned to the pits following a short run – and that modifications are now planned in order to help him go faster on Saturday.
"My greatest satisfaction was seeing the technicians' attitude before and after," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In the morning, when I was requesting modifications, the common denominator in the answers was: 'But it's just a test.'
"At the end of the three laps they started working like crazy, they got incredibly excited. Now they want to give me five different programs for the throttle and a more direct steering. They sent me out on wet tires, but when I returned to the pits they were well worn out..."
The Italian also claimed he is already more than comfortable in his surroundings.
"It was a very nice moment," explained Zanardi. "I must say that I felt good with the car. It was docile from the beginning. I asked it to please do certain things and it obliged. It didn't feel offended at letting an old windbag like me drive it...
"And it's not easy: I have to get a hand off the wheel in the turns in order to accelerate, so I steer with just one hand."
