TEST REPORT
The Honda Racing F1 Team concluded its 2006 testing programme
at the Jerez circuit in Spain today. Christian Klien and James
Rossiter shared the testing duties this week, with IndyCar
driver Marco Andretti joining the team on Friday for his first
drive in a Formula One car. Christian and James began the
test on Wednesday with both drivers concentrating on chassis
set-up work and long tyre runs as the evaluation of the new
Bridgestone Potenza tyres continues. Christian completed 123
laps with James finishing the day on 97 laps. On Thursday,
Christian spent the morning continuing the chassis programme
whilst James concentrated on new tyre runs, followed by an
aero evaluation. For the afternoon session, both drivers completed
further long tyre runs with excellent reliability allowing
Christian to achieve 113 laps and James 117 laps in total.
James continued the testing programme on Friday morning with
further chassis work covering 66 laps. Christian took over
the car after the lunch break to continue the programme, running
for a further 56 laps.
Christian Klien
“I focused on doing long runs at this test to see how
the tyres were working over longer distances. I also did a
lot of work on the controls where we found some improvements.
I am feeling much more familiar now working with the team
and driving the car after the three weeks of testing. Physically
I felt very good after two and a half days in the car and
look forward to driving again in January.”
James Rossiter
“We have had a very productive three days for our final
test of the year. We are continuing to develop our understanding
about the tyres all the time and the car has been very reliable
so we were able to cover a lot of laps every day. Hopefully
all the data collected will help us in the development of
next year’s car.”
Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance
“This week we have continued our programme of understanding
the Bridgestone tyres, primarily focusing on long runs. Over
the last three weeks, the impressive reliability of the RA106
has allowed us to complete 8000kms on the new specification
tyres. This has been a successful start to our winter test
campaign and also a fitting way to end the year. The whole
team has contributed enormously to the progress we have made
and we are looking forward a short break before resuming testing
in January. It has been a pleasure to give Marco Andretti
his first drive in a Formula One car today; he approached
the day in a mature and professional manner well in advance
of his years and performed well.”
TEST STATS (NB - All timings are unofficial)
Drivers Chassis Wednesday 13 December Thursday 14 December
Friday 15 December
Christian Klien RA106-02/06 123 laps Fastest lap 01:20.000
113 laps Fastest lap 01:19.665 56 laps Fastest lap 01:20.450
James Rossiter RA106-06 97 laps Fastest lap 01:20.017 117
laps Fastest lap 01:19.535 66 laps Fastest lap 01:19.800
MARCO ANDRETTI - GUEST DRIVE
IndyCar driver Marco Andretti joined the Honda Racing F1
Team in Jerez today for his first drive in an F1 car. The
team offered the opportunity to Marco to drive the RA106 race
car in recognition of his achievements in the Honda-powered
IndyCar series this year. Marco began running shortly after
9am this morning with an installation lap, followed by several
short runs to familiarise himself with the car and get used
to the controls. He completed 33 laps before the morning session
came to a close. Marco was back on track at the start of the
afternoon session and continued to steadily improve to his
lap times as he completed a further 35 laps for a total of
68 laps today.
Testing Summary Friday 15 December No of Laps 68 laps Fastest
Lap 01:21.891
Marco Andretti “First of all I couldn’t have
had more fun today and it’s a shame that it was only
a day! It took me a little while to get used to the traction
control and the brakes but once I got to grips with them,
the times were more and more consistent. I would like to say
a big thank you to the Honda Racing F1 Team on how professional
and welcoming they have been this week, and I’m sure
that they will have a good season next year.” Gil de
Ferran - Sporting Director “It’s been great to
have Marco with the team and in the car today. He did a good
job and acclimatised himself well to the unfamiliar surroundings
in the very short time that a one-day test provides. Marco
looked comfortable straightaway with the car and the track,
and overall it was a good first experience in a Formula One
car. ”
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