Honda Racing F1 Team - Barcelona Test Report

BARCELONA, SPAIN 30 NOVEMBER; The Honda Racing F1 Team returned to action this week to begin its preparations for the 2007 Formula One season as winter testing kicked off at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. The main focus of this week´s test was an intensive evaluation of the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres as Bridgestone becomes the sole tyre supplier in Formula One from the 2007 season. Driving in Barcelona were Rubens Barrichello, new Test and Reserve driver Christian Klien and James Rossiter. Jenson Button also attended the test although was unable to drive due to his recent karting injury.

Rubens and James began the testing activity on Tuesday with both drivers concentrating on initial evaluation of the new Bridgestone rubber alongside a programme of set-up changes in the RA106 car. Rubens completed 83 laps with James finishing the day on 86 laps.

Christian had his first run in a Honda F1 car on Wednesday as he continues his familiarisation with the team. His early runs focused on acclimatising himself to the RA106 car and the Bridgestone tyres, which he is also experiencing for the first time. Christian then worked through a tyre programme and chassis set-up work to complete 79 laps. Rubens continued his tyre evaluation work for a second day, completing 96 laps.

Rubens and Christian were again on track today for the final day of the test. Both drivers spent the day working through suspension programmes as part of the continuing evaluation of the Bridgestone tyres. Rubens completed 115 laps with Christian ending the day with 103 laps.

Rubens Barrichello
"It's good to be back in the car again after the long break since Brazil. I have been working on my training in preparation as the hard work for our 2007 season starts here. It's good to be working with Bridgestone again and we've had a pretty good start to our new relationship. I think we have a decent understanding of how we can begin to maximise the tyres with our car and obviously the team has two more tests in Jerez to continue this development. All in all, a good start to our winter campaign."

Christian Klien
James Rossiter
Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance
TEST STATS Drivers Chassis Tuesday 28 November Wednesday 29 November Thursday 30 November Rubens Barrichello RA106-02 83 laps Fastest lap 01:17.932 96 laps Fastest lap 01:17.922 115 laps Fastest lap 01:17.190 Christian Klien RA106-06 - 79 laps Fastest lap 01:18.383 103 laps Fastest lap 01:17.774 James Rossiter RA106-06 86 laps Fastest lap 01:18.536 - -