2002 test programme begins in Barcelona for the all-new Honda RA002E
2002 test programme begins in Barcelona for the all-new Honda RA002E Honda’s pre-season testing activities began today (7 January) with Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda at a five-day test in Barcelona, Spain. The all-new RA002E F1 engine was run for the first time for its shakedown after the enforced winter break, as B.A.R Honda’s Olivier Panis took to the track behind the wheel of his B.A.R Honda 004, the only 2002-spec car to have run on the Catalunya circuit so far. Panis completed 19 laps and recorded a fastest time of 1m21.909s. B.A.R Honda test driver Anthony Davidson was also out on track this morning in a 2001-spec car, and after 29 laps posted a fastest time of 1m21.621s. The shakedown will enable Honda engineers to collect valuable data in preparation for the coming season, which starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 3 March. Shuhei Nakamoto, Race and Test Team Manager, Honda Racing Development said, “Overall it has been quite a good day. We have some good data from the first circuit running of the new RA002E engine. We also have a good idea of the level we are at, and how that compares to our target” Jordan Honda will begin its 2002 test programme at the Spanish circuit on 9 January, where the team will run a 2001-spec car. Jordan Honda’s new signings for 2002, Takuma Sato and Giancarlo Fisichella, will both be on hand for the three-day test. Editor’s note: Honda has introduced a new generation engine for the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship, and will continue to supply both British American Racing and Jordan Grand Prix with identical specification Honda RA002E 3-litre engines for the 2002 season. Honda will also continue its joint chassis development programme with B.A.R. Honda’s provisional F1 pre-season testing schedule Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda Barcelona, Spain 7-11/01/02 Valencia, Spain 17-20/01/02 Barcelona, Spain 23-25/01/02 Barcelona, Spain 31/01-1/02/02 Valencia, Spain 6-8/02/02 Magny Cours, France 11-13/02/02 Valencia, Spain 21-22/02/02 Jordan Honda Barcelona, Spain 9-11/01/02 Valencia, Spain 15-17/01/02 Silverstone, UK 22-24/01/02 Barcelona, Spain 29/01-1/02/02 Valencia, Spain 5-8/02/02 Silverstone, UK 18-20/02/02 -------------------------------------------------------------- Honda Formula One Press Office, 19 Heathmans Road, London, SW6 4TJ, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7384 2133 Fax: +44 (0)20 7384 1238