14/01/2005
NEWS STORY
Lucky Strike BAR Honda took part in the first test of 2005 this week at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. The four-day test saw test drivers Anthony Davidson and Enrique Bernoldi driving for the first two days, joined by race driver Jenson Button for the final two days of the test. All drivers were in the Concept cars for the final test before the launch of the new BAR Honda 007 this weekend. The week proved very successful with both the car and engine showing high levels of reliability through some tough endurance tests.
On the first morning of the test (Monday) Enrique ran through a chassis programme, completing 50 laps. In the afternoon session, he began a long tyre evaluation before a clutch problem brought an early end to his session, bringing his final lap tally for the day to 89 laps. Anthony spent most of his running on a series of tyre evaluations, completing a total of 76 laps.
Both drivers spent the second day (Tuesday) running through intensive tyre evaluations, completing long runs over full race distances. Enrique completed an impressive total of 131 laps for the day, with Anthony running for 96 laps.
Jenson joined the test on the third day (Wednesday) and spent the day running through aerodynamic and chassis work, alongside a tyre evaluation programme. He completed a total of 94 laps for the day, setting the fifth fastest time - a 01:17.56. Anthony also completed a tyre evaluation doing medium length runs and completing a total of 125 laps.
On the final day of the test (Thursday) Jenson completed 73 laps in the morning session evaluating the tyres over long runs. He continued the programme in the afternoon, alongside gearbox tuning and suspension set-up work to complete a further 62 laps. He also ran though a series of simulated race starts. Enrique spent the day running through a race simulation programme although his running was limited by a mechanical problem. He completed a total of 73 laps and will remain in Jerez to complete a wet test on Saturday
Jenson Button: "It was great to get back in the car following the break. We were able to put a lot of good mileage on the car. I completed 205 laps over the past two days which was very productive. We mostly concentrated on tyre work with Michelin and reliability checks. Everything ran smoothly and I am looking forward to driving the new 2005 car this weekend."
Anthony Davidson: "It has been a good test in Jerez this week and it was nice to get back in the car after the winter break. I've been working hard on my fitness and this has paid off as I was able to do all the driving that team asked of me. I did an average of 98 laps over the three days which I was driving and we got some valuable data from this. The cars were reliable this week and I feel positive about the way the team is going about its testing programme this year. I think it will really benefit us in the long run and it has been a good start to 2005 for us."
Enrique Bernoldi: "The test has been very good for the team in terms of evaluating our endurance and consistency. I spent most of the time doing long tyre evaluations over a full race distance to prepare for the new season and collect data. This has been useful and it also helps that the car has been mostly reliable. Overall it has been a good week and I'm pleased to be back in the car after a month away."
Andrew Alsworth, Test Team Manager: "It's been a very useful test this week here in Jerez in what has been near perfect weather conditions, although the early part of the mornings have been very cold. We've manage to complete over 3500 kms in the Concept cars alongside a comprehensive Michelin tyre programme evaluating the tyres over long runs. We have also run the latest specification Honda engines to their target mileage. The whole team is now looking forward to the launch of the new 007 car in Barcelona this weekend."
To check out all the times and reports from Jerez, click here