24/06/2005
NEWS STORY
BAR Honda today completed an intensive three-day test at the Jerez circuit in Southern Spain in preparation for the forthcoming French and British Grands Prix. Despite the intense heat, which saw track temperatures reach 54°C, the team were able to successfully complete the planned programme of aerodynamic upgrade evaluations, an intensive set-up programme for the new BAR Honda 007-06 chassis and the running of the latest specification engine from Honda.
All four regular drivers were in attendance at the test, together with Adam Carroll from the BAR Honda Young Driver Programme. The team has not tested since prior to the North American races so the run plan was very intensive in order to prepare for the return to Europe and a more positive second half of the season. As BAR Honda's most experienced 'Young Driver' Adam was on hand to provide additional driver input, which allowed him the opportunity to get his first taste of the BAR Honda 007 car.
Anthony Davidson and Enrique Bernoldi began the test on Wednesday morning. Anthony worked solely on aerodynamic developments, completing 113 laps, whilst Enrique, running only in the morning, completed tests with new suspension and brake components over 61 laps. Adam Carroll took over from Enrique in the afternoon session and completed 27 laps, acclimatising himself well to both the car and the extremely hot conditions.
Jenson Button and Takuma Sato joined the team on Thursday with Jenson continuing the aerodynamic tests, whilst Takuma concentrated on further suspension developments. Both drivers spent the afternoon session running through a Michelin tyre evaluation in preparation for the French Grand Prix. Jenson completed a total of 115 laps, setting the second fastest time of the day. Takuma completed 120 laps, setting the fastest time of the afternoon session and the third fastest time overall.
Jenson and Takuma again began the driving duties on Friday morning. Jenson tested further aerodynamic solutions completing 84 laps and setting the fastest time of the morning session. Takuma had a frustrating morning as a brake and engine problem limited his running to only 27 laps. Anthony took over the car from Takuma in the afternoon session and, with the engine changed, he ran through a chassis set-up programme completing 39 laps. Enrique, taking over from Jenson, ran through some chassis set-up work alongside a short aero evaluation to complete 47 laps.
Jenson Button: "We have had a positive test in Jerez this week, completing a lot of mileage on both days. We focused mainly on set-up and aero development, alongside tyre testing for Magny Cours. We also looked at reliability work with the engine which was excellent. Overall it was a good positive test before we travel to France for the next race."
Takuma Sato: "I had a great first day at our test yesterday when I completed a lot of laps and ran through various mechanical set-ups on the car. We completed our planned tyre programme for Magny Cours with very positive results. This morning we had some difficulties with a brake and engine problem which meant that I did not achieve very much running, which is a shame, as we could not carry on the momentum from yesterday. But overall I am happy with the results and looking forward to the race at Magny Cours next week."
Anthony Davidson: "We had a good day on Wednesday and were pleased to be close to the pace of the McLarens by the end of the day. The circuit was initially quite dusty but cleaned up as the day progressed enabling us to set our fastest time in the afternoon session. We had a good aero test and found a small step up in performance so overall it has been a positive week for us."
Enrique Bernoldi: "It's been a good week for us, although the high temperatures have made it tough. The track was very hot on Wednesday morning which slowed us down a little. Today was slightly cooler and we worked through some set-up evaluations on the new chassis. The car feels good and I think we have done a good job this week."
Adam Carroll: "This was my first opportunity to drive the BAR Honda 007 and it was good to get a feel for the car. I only completed 27 laps but the car felt very good and well-balanced - a big improvement on the 006 car which I drove last year."
Mark Ellis, Chief Test Engineer: "With only two tests remaining until September, our programme has naturally been quite comprehensive. Following competitive performances at recent race events, everyone at BAR Honda is pushing hard to get further improvements on the car. We are pleased with the results from our aero tests and have worked hard with the chassis to improve our race balance. Despite an unusual failure of one of the development engines today, the new engine specification for Magny Cours looks to be a positive improvement. We have also had success with several drivetrain developments that may feature at races later in the year."
Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development: "A very positive test for the latest engine this week. Development is going well and we look forward to converting our speed into good race results at Magny Cours and Silverstone."