2006 TURKISH GRAND PRIX ISTANBUL PARK
RACE
Jenson Button ended today's Turkish Grand Prix in fourth
position after a strong performance from sixth on the grid,
securing a further five points for the Honda Racing F1 Team.
His team-mate Rubens Barrichello finished eighth having started
from 13th position. He enjoyed a tremendous race with four
great overtaking manoeuvres, guaranteeing the team a two-car
finish and a solid total haul of six-points.
Today's result again reduces the gap to third position in
the Constructors' Championship, with the Honda Racing F1 Team
now on 58 points with four rounds still remaining.
Hot on the heels of its own first win just a few weeks ago,
the Honda team would also like to congratulate Felipe Massa
on his first grand prix victory and wishes him a well-deserved
celebration.
Formula One now resumes testing after the summer break, and
the Honda Racing F1 Team heads to Monza in Italy next week
with an extensive development programme in preparation for
Round 15 of the Formula One World Championship.
JENSON BUTTON
"It's been a great race for the team today and it's good
to get both cars in the points. We just didn't have the pace
of the Ferraris or Alonso in the Renault but we know where
we're weaker and where we're losing out to them, so when we
get on top of that we're going to be very competitive. The
last stint was very strong for us. We had a lot less tyre
graining and I was getting quicker and quicker. Not quite
as good as my result in the last race but a good weekend nonetheless."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
"I'm really happy that we finished with two cars in the
points today. We had a competitive car today so it was a shame
that someone pushed me wide on the first corner which lost
me a lot of time. Without that incident I could have been
up there fighting closer to the front. We had the pace and
we certainly had the will today, so I think that the team
certainly deserved the result as well. It was really good
to hear the Brazilian national anthem at the end of the race
for my good friend Felipe Massa and I congratulate him on
his first win."
GIL DE FERRAN - Sporting Director
"What an exciting race! We are very pleased to have both
cars in the points, which is a great result at the end of
a generally satisfying weekend. Jenson was fortunate to not
get caught up in the first turn incident and drove a faultless
race from there, pushing very hard all the way. In the end
though, we weren't quite quick enough to challenge for the
podium today. Rubens was less fortunate in the first turn
and lost quite a few places, however he showed excellent speed
and determination as he drove back through the field, fighting
until the very end. Both engines performed reliably in their
second race, even though Rubens used all the revs possible
throughout the race. In summary we leave Turkey happy but
aware that there is still some improvement needed. Congratulations
to Felipe Massa on his well-deserved first win!"
RACE STATS
Drivers Car No. Chassis Race Result
Rubens Barrichello 11 RA106-01 P8 Fastest lap 01:28.733
Jenson Button 12 RA106-05 P4 Fastest lap 01:28.474
Weather Hot and sunny
Temperatures Air: 34-37°C Track: 36-53°C
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