15/09/2006
NEWS STORY
Anthony Davidson (right) topped the time sheets on the final day of testing at Jerez, where, once again, three teams and six drivers were on duty.
The Englishman was joined by James Rossiter, with Anthony working on the China tyre options over longer runs, alongside an aero programme, and James focussing on further tyre work alongside some electronic check runs. Both drivers were using the latest spec Honda powerplant, with neither driver experiencing any problems.
"The first of our back to back tests at Jerez has been extremely successful this week," said Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance, Mark Ellis. "The outstanding reliability of the RA106 car and the RA806 engine and excellent work by the team has allowed us to complete our planned test programme without any issues and in generally
good circuit conditions.
"The drivers have been happy with the grip and balance of the car, setting encouraging lap times. Our chassis and electronics updates are showing positive results and we have completed a comprehensive tyre programme with our partner Michelin, resulting in some good solutions for Shanghai. We return to Jerez again next week to
complete our test programme for the 2006 season."
Third quickest was Robert Doornbos in the Red Bull, the Dutchman partnered by Michael Ammermuller.
Ahead of his race debut with Red Bull, Doornbos concentrated on race preparation rather than pure testing, while the team evaluated Ammermuller as the Dutchman's potential replacement in the Friday-tester role.
"The three days went very well and we completed our planned programme," said Chief Test Engineer, Ian Morgan. "On the first day, Robert concentrated on Shanghai tyre evaluation, while Michael got used to driving an F1 car. Day 2 saw Robert given the chance to work on car set-up and generally get the car to his liking for a race weekend.
"We brought in Tonio to help with tyre work, as prior to the test, we had decided to give Michael the middle day off to think about everything he had done. Apart from a slight hydraulic problem on Tonio's car and losing some track time through bad weather, it was another good day.
"Finally, today, we got through more work than expected with Robert, completing the tyre programme and doing some race work. Michael also got through his programme. Apart from one small spin, he put in an impressive performance without making mistakes and completing over 200 laps. A positive end to our last test."
Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen continued to work on tyre selection for Renault. The Italian completed 170 laps on his final day as he ran an intensive programme. However, two entirely different minor technical problems brought out the red flags.
Kovalainen, who was back at the wheel after suffering a stomach bug on Thursday, completed some "measurement work" for Michelin and then completed his programme without any major problem. The Finn will be driving again next week at Silverstone.
"We completed our programme thanks to excellent reliability of both cars which allowed us to cover a large number of laps," said Christian Silk. "The drivers did a really good job, especially as we pushed them a lot to make up for lost time. They did no mistakes and gave interesting feedback regarding the tests we made today. We are definitely satisfied with our preparation for the Chinese GP."