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17/09/2004
NEWS STORY
Lucky Strike BAR Honda concluded a three-day, two-car test at the Silverstone circuit this week with all four of its drivers. The team used the test to focus on evaluating tyre options as well as aerodynamic and engine developments for the forthcoming Grands Prix.
Day One (Tuesday) saw Jenson and Anthony commencing the driving duties, with the morning session being hampered by frequent rain showers passing over the circuit. The planned test programme was adjusted accordingly and both drivers spent the morning running a shallow wet test. The afternoon session saw Jenson running through an aerodynamic evaluation programme; however the blustery conditions meant that lap times were inconsistent. Jenson completed a total of 45 laps, setting the fifth fastest time - a 1:19.753. Anthony spent the afternoon completing a tyre evaluation; his final lap tally for the day was 65 laps, setting the third fastest time - a 1:19.367.
Day Two (Wednesday) saw Takuma joining the test, taking over from Anthony. He used his early runs to find a good balance on the car and spent the remainder of the day evaluating tyre options for the forthcoming races. He completed a total of 86 laps, setting the second fastest time - a 1:17.145. Jenson had a productive morning as he continued to run through the aerodynamic evaluation programme. His afternoon was spent running through an intensive tyre test, alongside a rear suspension evaluation, which took his final lap tally for the day to an impressive 103 laps, setting the fifth fastest time - a 01:17.537.
Anthony rejoined the test on Day Three (Thursday), taking over from Jenson. He spent the morning evaluating tyre options and completed a total of 70 laps whilst setting the fifth fastest time. With Anthony completing his set programme earlier than planned, this meant a chance to give Enrique Bernoldi his first proper drive to acclimatise himself with the car and the team. He completed two runs, a total of 11 laps, before a transmission problem forced the early retirement of his car. Takuma's morning was spent running through an aerodynamic evaluation and he spent the afternoon continuing the tyre evaluation programme which he began the morning. He completed a total of 82 laps to set the fastest time - a 01:17.411.
Jenson Button: "We have had a good test at Silverstone this week. The conditions on Wednesday were frustrating as the rain and force of the wind made accurate evaluations difficult and meant that we had to rearrange our schedule. Wednesday was very good and we worked on some new aerodynamic parts and tyre options for the forthcoming Grands Prix. Generally the test went very well and we are all looking forward to the next race and driving on the brand new circuit in Shanghai."
Takuma Sato: "I drove for two days at Silverstone this week and feel that we have had a positive test, achieving most of the test programme, despite the weather. Most importantly, we have completed a series of tyre evaluations and we are confident of our options for the forthcoming Grands Prix. I am looking forward to the next race in China."
Anthony Davidson: "Tuesday was spent evaluating the new intermediate tyres which saw very positive results despite the tricky conditions. I had a very successful morning today on the last day of the test, completing 70 laps running through tyre options for the forthcoming races. I'm confident in the choices that we have made and also set my personal best lap around Silverstone - a 1:17.962. Overall it has been a good test which, along with the forthcoming Jerez test, puts us in a strong position for the final three races of the season."
Enrique Bernoldi: "It was a good feeling to be back behind the wheel of a Formula One car this afternoon. Although we were limited to 11 laps because of a mechanical problem, I felt comfortable in the car and it will be a valuable experience for the Jerez test in a couple of weeks when I will have the chance to get into the actual programme more. In the meantime, I'm obviously very excited and motivated by this opportunity and am looking forward to making a valuable contribution to the team's ongoing development".
Andrew Alsworth, Test Team Manager: "We have had a productive three days here at Silverstone. We completed the full test programme with only Tuesday's damp weather causing us to modify it slightly. All three drivers have given the engineers a substantial amount of useful data over the three days and it was very good for Enrique to complete his first run in the car. The car has proved both fast and reliable, with the whole team looking forward to the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in ten days time."
Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development: "We have tried some new developments on the engine as we continue to push for more podium finishes in the last three races. By and large it has been a productive three days, enabling us to clarify our plans for the run-in, starting with Shanghai next week."