Honda Racing F1 Team - Jerez Test Report
The Honda Racing F1 Team returned to the test track this
week following an intensive fortnight of racing action in
Canada and North America. With three European races to come
over the next month in France, Germany and Hungary, the team
spent three days at the Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain
focusing on aerodynamic developments to the RA106 race car,
intensive tyre evaluations with Michelin and running the latest
specification engine. All four of the team's drivers took
part in the test, covering a total of 2171kms and 489 laps
over the three days.
Anthony Davidson and James Rossiter began the running on
Tuesday with both of their RA106 race cars fitted with an
aerodynamic upgrade package for the French Grand Prix. Alongside
the aero evaluations, the test schedule concentrated on tyre
programmes to assess the various options for the race at Magny
Cours next weekend. Mechanical problems for both cars in the
morning interrupted running for a short time but were quickly
resolved with Anthony going on to complete 70 laps, setting
the third fastest time of the day, and James completing 74
laps.
Rubens Barrichello joined the team on Wednesday, beginning
his programme with some early set-up runs before working through
an aerodynamic evaluation followed by a chassis set-up programme.
Rubens completed 47 laps over the day, with a spin at turn
ten resulting in minor damage to the rear of the car costing
some track time in the early afternoon, and a subsequent engine
failure ending his running earlier than planned. Anthony had
a more productive day working through a comprehensive chassis
set-up programme, alongside a tyre evaluation looking at options
for the German Grand Prix, completing a total of 110 laps.
Jenson Button took over from Anthony on Thursday for the
final day of the test. He focused on tyre programmes evaluating
various rear tyre options before moving onto a chassis set-up
programme. An early afternoon engine failure cost Jenson some
running time in the afternoon session, although he was able
to complete 94 laps and set the second fastest time of the
day. Rubens concentrated on further evaluation work on the
aerodynamic upgrade package, followed by a tyre compound programme
for the French Grand Prix, also completing 94 laps.
Jenson Button
"A pretty straightforward test day for us today, although
we did suffer an engine failure this afternoon which was disappointing.
We had some new items to test this week and were able to get
some encouraging results, although our pace is still not quick
enough to compete with the top teams. We have some work to
do before next weekend but today's running has provided us
with a lot of data to study."
Rubens Barrichello
"We were able to gather some data on my first day but
unfortunately my running time was cut short. Then today we
concentrated on the new aero parts that we had this week,
and although the times were not so competitive, we have found
some valuable answers. In the other car, Jenson was on a different
programme and doing much better times which is very encouraging.
So altogether I think we did a good job over the two days
with a lot of information to study before the French Grand
Prix next weekend."
Anthony Davidson
"We covered a great deal of tyre work this week with
Michelin, looking at the options for France and Germany. The
hot track conditions caused a few problems with long run degradation
for most teams but we found a good compromise on this and
were able to get some good results. The car had a good balance
and was generally handling well. We also made some steps forward
on the set-up and seem to be on a competitive pace which is
encouraging. We did have some reliability issues but the engine
on my car ran for both days with no concerns and we completed
a good number of laps."
James Rossiter
"Unfortunately our proposed run plan on Tuesday was compromised
by a couple of mechanical problems but we completed an aero
evaluation for France which was encouraging. We also worked
on a tyre test in the afternoon seeing some good results."
Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance
"This has been a very busy week for us, with many new
chassis and aerodynamic developments to be tested. Unusually,
we have had some mechanical problems with the car which disrupted
the programme, however we are pleased with our general pace
and consistency and aim to carry this through to the next
race in Magny Cours."
TEST STATS
Drivers Chassis Tuesday 04 July
Wednesday 05 July Thursday 06 July
Jenson Button RA106-06 -
- 94 laps Fastest lap
01:17.162
Rubens Barrichello RA106-02 -
47 laps Fastest lap 01:19.387 94 laps Fastest lap 01:18.320
Anthony Davidson RA106-06 70 laps Fastest lap
01:18.705 110 laps Fastest lap 01:18.223 -
James Rossiter RA106-02 74 laps Fastest lap 01:19.858
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