12/03/2005
NEWS STORY
The Lucky Strike BAR Honda test team has been undertaking a three-day test at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain this week with Anthony Davidson and Enrique Bernoldi driving the BAR Honda 007 and the '05 Concept car respectively.
This week's programme encompassed various tests, including a full Michelin tyre programme, aerodynamics evaluation and further reliability testing for the Honda engine. Anthony has completed a total of 1,418 kilometres in chassis 070-01, whilst Enrique has completed a further 1,527 kilometres in chassis 067-07.
Day one (Wednesday) saw Enrique complete a full Michelin test programme whilst Anthony ran through an intensive aerodynamics evaluation.
On the second day the team were joined by Renault, BMW Williams and Toyota. Anthony's morning session was cut short when he ran wide into turn 10 and spun off the track and into the tyre barriers. He continued to run through his programme in the afternoon to complete a total of 124 laps for the day. Enrique completed a full Michelin test running through various options for the forthcoming Grands Prix and completed a total of 122 laps.
Overnight rain enabled both Enrique and Anthony to run through a Michelin wet tyre test this morning on our final day in Jerez. Anthony's morning session was brought to an early conclusion following an engine failure on lap 45. However in the afternoon he rejoined the test with a new engine to complete his planned aerodynamics programme and a total of 106 laps. Enrique continued his morning programme after waiting for the track dry and in the afternoon completed longer runs on the Bahrain option tyres. He clocked 100 laps and completed an impressive 1,528 kilometres on his Honda engine to reach the target mileage.
BAR Honda will now move to the Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian Grand Prix, round two of the 2005 FIA Formula One World Championship, which will take place on Sunday 20 March.
Anthony Davidson: "The main focus for my car at this test has been an aerodynamics evaluation programme, which is always fun and interesting to do! The track has been dusty every morning due to round-the-clock construction work just outside the circuit. I covered lots of mileage, just under our target, before the engine failed this morning, so we have collected a lot of valuable data. I hope that the team back at the factory will be able to use this information in time for the race in Malaysia next week."
Enrique Bernoldi: "I have had a very good test this week and have been happy with my lap times. I completed more than 1,500 kilometres, which was our target, and our full Michelin tyre test programme for Bahrain. This morning I ran through many long runs in the wet and collected some quite useful data."
Andrew Alsworth, Test Team Manager: "This week's test in Jerez has enabled us to work through a three-day, two car programme. Although the final day morning running was compromised by wet track conditions, we have managed to complete a total of 2,945 kilometres running through the full test programme. Anthony ran through an intensive aero programme supplying the engineers with valuable data. Enrique, driving the concept car, concentrated mainly on a Michelin test alongside further evaluation of the latest spec engine from Honda. We will now prepare the two test cars for our next test event at the Paul Ricard circuit in two weeks time."
Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development: "We've clocked up some good mileage on the latest spec engine this week, and are looking forward to a better result at the second race of the season."