Honda Racing F1 Team - Jerez Test Report
JEREZ, SPAIN 21 JULY TEST REPORT The Honda Racing F1 Team was at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain this week for the final test before the summer break. The hot conditions in Jerez were ideal preparation for the next three races in Germany, Hungary and Turkey where high temperatures are also expected. With the three races to prepare for, it was a busy week for the team as they focused on the latest aero and chassis developments for the RA106 race car, intensive tyre evaluations with Michelin and running the latest specification engine. Jenson and Anthony began the test on Wednesday with Jenson's test schedule focusing on aero and engine setting programmes, alongside a suspension evaluation, whilst Anthony worked on some new chassis items followed by a tyre evaluation for the German Grand Prix. Although the windy conditions made the test programme a little difficult, Jenson and Anthony had a productive day completing 83 laps and 107 laps respectively, setting the fourth and third fastest times. Jenson took over the tyre work from Anthony on Thursday as he continued to evaluate the options for the German Grand Prix. He then spent the afternoon working through an aero programme, finishing with 103 laps and the second fastest time of the day. Rubens joined the test and ran through some electronic systems work in the morning followed by a series of qualifying simulations. He then continued the evaluation of the German Grand Prix tyre options, using the best of the tyres from Jenson's morning running. Rubens completed 76 laps setting the fastest time of the day. With Anthony back in the car on Friday, both he and Rubens spent the final day working on tyre programmes for the Hungarian and Turkish Grands Prix. They also continued to progress the aero and control systems evaluations from the previous two days. With excellent reliability from the chassis and engine, both drivers were again able to complete a lot of mileage with Anthony totalling 113 laps and Rubens completing 106 laps setting the third fastest time. Jenson Button "Testing went well in Jerez this week. We concentrated on the tyres for Hockenheim and Budapest and also ran some new parts from which we saw encouraging results. All in all it was a good test, although as always it's difficult to know how competitive we are compared to the other teams. We'll have to wait and see how we look at the next couple of races." Rubens Barrichello "It was a good test this week. We made improvements and learnt a great deal, particularly about the aero parts that we took to France last weekend and how to improve the set-up of the car to optimise these. We also worked on some electronic devices which look to be an improvement. So I am confident that we have made a step forward and will look forward to next weekend to see how we sit alongside the others." Anthony Davidson "The circuit conditions were not great on Wednesday as it was very windy which meant it was difficult to make direct comparisons, however we did get good information on the tyres for Hockenheim. Considering the conditions, the car balance was quite good and our relative pace to the other cars was encouraging. Today we covered a lot of mileage, 113 laps in total, again with positive results. We got some good data on the tyres for Turkey and completed valuable work on the aero and electronics developments. There has been a definite step forward in terms of driveability so it was a positive end to the test for us." Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance "Testing in such oppressive temperatures is always difficult and I would like to thank the whole team who have worked really hard to get through our intensive programme of new developments this week. Results from our aero, mechanical and electronic systems programmes have been very positive and our pace at this circuit has again been competitive. There have had no major reliability problems which is also encouraging. We have been working hard with Michelin to ensure their products for the next few races are competitive." TEST STATS Drivers Chassis Wednesday 19 July Thursday 20 July Friday 21 July Jenson Button RA106-02 83 laps Fastest lap 01:18.280 103 laps Fastest lap 01:17.408 - Rubens Barrichello RA106-06/02 - 76 laps Fastest lap 01:16.980 106 laps Fastest lap 01:17.382 Anthony Davidson RA106-06/02 107 laps Fastest lap 01:18.198 - 113 laps Fastest lap 01:17.885