10/12/2005
NEWS STORY
The Honda Racing F1 Team continued its winter testing programme at the Circuito de Jerez in Southern Spain this week. With two Concept cars now available, the focus of activity was on further evaluation of the new Honda V8 engine, along with tyre and aerodynamic programmes.
Jenson Button, Anthony Davidson and James Rossiter shared the driving responsibilities this week. It was a successful test with the two Concept cars covering 2423 kms and 547 laps between them, and with an encouraging level of reliability. The team will have a short break over the weekend before getting back on track at Jerez next Wednesday for the final test of 2005.
Anthony took chassis 078-07 into its second test on Wednesday, concentrating on engine and chassis set-up work alongside a tyre evaluation programme. He completed an impressive 103 laps over the day. James gave the brand new chassis 078-08 its first shakedown run, completing 81 laps.
Jenson joined the team on Thursday morning running in chassis 078-07. He ran through some early set-up work on the car before working through a comprehensive tyre evaluation. Jenson completed 70 laps, setting the second fastest time which was also the fastest of the V8 runners. James continued his running in the second Concept car working through a chassis set-up programme and completing 68 laps.
Anthony took over from James on Friday morning and joined Jenson in completing a series of tyre and engine evaluations. Anthony completed 103 laps today, with Jenson completing 121 laps.
Jenson Button: "We have had another productive test this week in Jerez completing our full programme. I completed 121 laps today without any major issues. We have been focusing on set-up, tyres and the engine, which is looking good. It was encouraging to set the fastest time of the V8 runners yesterday. Everything is going smoothly but we still have a lot of hard work ahead of us and I'm looking forward to the final test of 2005 in Jerez next week."
Anthony Davidson: "It was a good test this week. We focused mainly on tyre evaluations looking at various casings for Michelin and also on aero performance. Generally the car was quick and the V8 engine proved very reliable with my engine running to over 1100 kms."
James Rossiter: "It was good to be back with the team and driving the car this week. We concentrated on set-up work for the new chassis to help understand more about running the car with the V8 engine. The car was reliable and there were no problems, which is a good sign for the new engine."
Mark Ellis, Chief Test Engineer: "Our test programme in Jerez this week has been extremely successful. The reliability of both Concept cars has been excellent which has allowed us to complete all of our intended activity. We have made solid progress in our understanding of the required solutions for the 2006 season."
Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development: "We've had some good feedback from the drivers on the improved drivability of the engine since Barcelona and overall the test has been very positive. We knew that we were testing the limit of the engine that failed and have a countermeasure ready for that, as well as further ideas aimed at increasing power."