FORMULA 1: New Honda F1 Engine Debuts at Silverstone
13 January 2001
No problems on first run of 2001 engine; Sato confirmed as BAR Honda tester Honda's preparations for the 2001 Formula 1 season began in earnest this week with the first running of the new RA001E engine. BAR Honda's new recruit Olivier Panis was at the wheel of the BAR Honda 003 at Silverstone on Wednesday (10 January) and the Frenchman completed 37 laps of the Northamptonshire Grand Prix circuit. "We enjoyed a very good test at Silverstone," says Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Technical Director of Honda Racing Development. "The engine went into the new chassis very easily and we were able to complete a comprehensive systems check in advance of next week's test in Jerez. Although it was only a shakedown, it was nevertheless an encouraging start to the new season." Takuma Sato joins BAR Honda Japanese sensation Takuma Sato became the latest addition to the BAR Honda stable on Monday, when the 23-year-old was confirmed in a driver development role with the Brackley-based team. Sato earned rave reviews last year, finishing runner-up in his maiden season in British Formula 3 and he will remain with the Mugen-Honda-powered Carlin Motorsport in the ultra-competitive F3 series for the coming season. As he targets the prestigious F3 title in 2001, Sato will enjoy being part of the F1 team, preparing for what promises to be a bright future. "For me, my main priority in 2001 is to concentrate on my second year in British F3. If I get a chance to drive an F1 car again that will be very welcome, but it was a great experience to get in the car during the winter." Next week - Jordan Honda launch Jordan Honda launches its 2001 challenger on Tuesday 16 January, the first car from Eddie Jordan's team to be powered by 'works' Honda engines. The EJ11 is due to be shaken down at Silverstone tomorrow (Saturday) officially signalling the start of the new Jordan/Honda relationship. Photography of the launch of the new Jordan Honda EJ11 and of drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli will be available on Honda's F1 media website, www.honda-gp.com. BAR Honda testing in Jerez BAR Honda will begin a four-day test at Jerez, southern Spain, on Sunday. The two-car test will feature a new BAR Honda 003 chassis as well a 2000 spec car. Race drivers Olivier Panis and Jacques Villeneuve are expected to share the driving duties with regular testers Darren Manning and Patrick Lemarie.