JEREZ, SPAIN - TEST REPORT
The Honda Racing F1 Team was at the Circuito de Jerez in
Spain this week for the final test before the summer break.
The hot conditions in Jerez were ideal preparation for the
next three races in Germany, Hungary and Turkey where high
temperatures are also expected. With the three races to prepare
for, it was a busy week for the team as they focused on the
latest aero and chassis developments for the RA106 race car,
intensive tyre evaluations with Michelin and running the latest
specification engine.
Jenson and Anthony began the test on Wednesday with Jenson's
test schedule focusing on aero and engine setting programmes,
alongside a suspension evaluation, whilst Anthony worked on
some new chassis items followed by a tyre evaluation for the
German Grand Prix. Although the windy conditions made the
test programme a little difficult, Jenson and Anthony had
a productive day completing 83 laps and 107 laps respectively,
setting the fourth and third fastest times.
Jenson took over the tyre work from Anthony on Thursday as
he continued to evaluate the options for the German Grand
Prix. He then spent the afternoon working through an aero
programme, finishing with 103 laps and the second fastest
time of the day. Rubens joined the test and ran through some
electronic systems work in the morning followed by a series
of qualifying simulations. He then continued the evaluation
of the German Grand Prix tyre options, using the best of the
tyres from Jenson's morning running. Rubens completed 76 laps
setting the fastest time of the day.
With Anthony back in the car on Friday, both he and Rubens
spent the final day working on tyre programmes for the Hungarian
and Turkish Grands Prix. They also continued to progress the
aero and control systems evaluations from the previous two
days. With excellent reliability from the chassis and engine,
both drivers were again able to complete a lot of mileage
with Anthony totalling 113 laps and Rubens completing 106
laps setting the third fastest time.
Jenson Button
"Testing went well in Jerez this week. We concentrated
on the tyres for Hockenheim and Budapest and also ran some
new parts from which we saw encouraging results. All in all
it was a good test, although as always it's difficult to know
how competitive we are compared to the other teams. We'll
have to wait and see how we look at the next couple of races."
Rubens Barrichello
"It was a good test this week. We made improvements and
learnt a great deal, particularly about the aero parts that
we took to France last weekend and how to improve the set-up
of the car to optimise these. We also worked on some electronic
devices which look to be an improvement. So I am confident
that we have made a step forward and will look forward to
next weekend to see how we sit alongside the others."
Anthony Davidson
"The circuit conditions were not great on Wednesday as
it was very windy which meant it was difficult to make direct
comparisons, however we did get good information on the tyres
for Hockenheim. Considering the conditions, the car balance
was quite good and our relative pace to the other cars was
encouraging. Today we covered a lot of mileage, 113 laps in
total, again with positive results. We got some good data
on the tyres for Turkey and completed valuable work on the
aero and electronics developments. There has been a definite
step forward in terms of driveability so it was a positive
end to the test for us."
Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance
"Testing in such oppressive temperatures is always difficult
and I would like to thank the whole team who have worked really
hard to get through our intensive programme of new developments
this week. Results from our aero, mechanical and electronic
systems programmes have been very positive and our pace at
this circuit has again been competitive. There have had no
major reliability problems which is also encouraging. We have
been working hard with Michelin to ensure their products for
the next few races are competitive."
TEST STATS
Drivers Chassis Wednesday 19 July
Thursday 20 July Friday 21 July
Jenson Button RA106-02 83 laps Fastest lap
01:18.280 103 laps Fastest lap 01:17.408 -
Rubens Barrichello RA106-06/02 -
76 laps Fastest lap 01:16.980 106 laps Fastest lap
01:17.382
Anthony Davidson RA106-06/02 107 laps Fastest lap
01:18.198 - 113
laps Fastest lap 01:17.885
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