Honda ends three-day test in Barcelona
20 December 2000
FIA Formula 1 World Championship Barcelona, Spain - Testing HONDA CONCLUDES FIRST YEAR OF FORMULA ONE WITH BARCELONA TEST Wednesday 20 December 2000 The first year of Honda's third generation of Formula One participation drew to a close today as the final test of 2000 ended in sunshine at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Northern Spain. No fewer than seven Honda-powered drivers took part in the last on-track activity of the year - primarily designed as a tyre test for supplier Bridgestone. Jordan Honda race drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli had a productive three days with this year's EJ10 and the team's new relationship with Honda and its 'works' engineers is developing well. BAR Honda's race drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis each spent two days evaluating new aerodynamic packages for next season's reduced downforce regulations. The new pairing reported good progress with the handling of the car in 2001 spec and enjoyed working together for the first time. Meanwhile the Brackley-based team was also conducting a driver development programme, evaluating the merits of two young pilots, former British F3 champion Mark Hynes and Japanese hotshot Takuma Sato. Both acquitted themselves well, showing consistency and professionalism as they worked with the team's engineers and became accustomed to the power of Honda's F1 engine. "It has been a very interesting test," says Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Technical Director of Honda Racing Development. "Although it was mainly a tyre test, we have completed a great deal of useful work this week. We have continued evaluation of new control technologies and have also been testing development elements for next year's engine." Honda's engines returned to the world of Formula One in March, after an absence of eight years. The powerful and reliable RA000E engine helped BAR Honda to four fourth-place finishes in 2000, fifth position in the Constructors' championship and the team received widespread recognition as the most improved outfit of the year. The testing programme will resume in the New Year as both BAR Honda and Jordan Honda look to get their new challengers on-track in mid-January. Full details of the teams' car launches will be made available soon. A full breakdown of the lap times from the test can be found on the Honda website: www.honda-gp.com username: honda password: ginther -------------------------------------------------------------- Honda Formula 1 Press Office, 19 Heathmans Road, London, SW6 4TJ, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7384 2133 Fax: +44 (0)20 7384 1238 Mobile: +44 (0)7771 868207