VALLELUNGA, ITALY
TEST REPORT
Following two weeks of intensive activity on the race track
in Germany and Spain, the Honda Racing F1 Team returned to
testing duties this week with a three-day test at the Vallelunga
circuit in Italy. The main focus of the test was development,
set-up and tyre work for next week's Monaco Grand Prix, plus
tyre programmes for other forthcoming races.
Perfect sunny and warm weather, along with good reliability
from the RA106 race cars, enabled the team to successfully
complete its full test programme. The short and tight track
configuration of the Vallelunga circuit also enabled race
drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, along with third
driver Anthony Davidson, to prepare themselves for the unique
challenge of the Monaco street race.
Anthony and James began the test on Tuesday with both drivers
working through aero programmes and tyre evaluations for the
Monaco Grand Prix. Anthony completed 127 laps, with James
totalling 76 laps, despite a couple of mechanical problems
which interrupted his afternoon's running.
Jenson joined the team on Wednesday, taking over from James.
After acclimatising himself to the track layout, he spent
the day working through a tyre programme, covering an impressive
176 laps. Anthony concentrated on aero, tyre and chassis set-up
work, completing 146 laps.
Jenson continued his preparation for Monaco on Thursday,
running through a chassis set-up programme, before switching
to a lower downforce set-up to work on tyres for the Canadian
Grand Prix, completing 147 laps. Rubens joined the test for
the final day, also concentrating on chassis work alongside
an aero and tyre programme for Monaco, completing a total
of 112 laps.
Jenson Button
"The test was good this week with a lot of mileage completed.
We ran through all the tyre programmes with Michelin to choose
the tyres for Monaco and also the Canadian Grand Prix. Vallelunga
is a very bumpy circuit and more abrasive than Monaco, however
we were able to get a good idea of which tyres will work.
Overall it's been a positive week and I'm really looking forward
to Monaco next weekend."
Rubens Barrichello
"Today was quite straightforward for us. We made a lot
of changes to the car over the day, trying different things
on the set-up. The main focus was chassis work but I also
did some work on the tyres for Monaco and the results are
looking positive. I'm looking forward to Monaco next weekend,
it's a home race for me, and I think the car has the potential
to qualify well which is crucial for the race."
Anthony Davidson
"It was a good two days in the car for me this week and
we had a successful test looking at the aero and tyres for
Monaco. We also worked on the general set-up of the car and
found some interesting results for the future. The car felt
good around the tight and twisty configuration that we ran
here in Vallelunga so that should get me in the groove for
my Friday running next week. So all in all, it's been a good
test."
James Rossiter
"It was good to get more time in the car on Tuesday,
despite a few mechanical issues. We mainly ran through aero
work and looked at different settings to see some good results
by the end of the day."
Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance
"We have had a very positive three days here in Vallelunga.
The weather and track conditions have been perfect and we
have completed our planned programme of developments and tyre
programmes in preparation for the Monaco Grand Prix. The drivers
have tried some new directions on set-up and are pleased with
the results. We are looking forward to a competitive race
in Monaco next weekend."
Shuhei Nakamoto
Management Board Member - Honda Racing F1 Team, Engineering
Director - Honda Racing Development "It has been a productive
test for the next step engine, focusing mainly on finding
the best settings for Monaco, where the engine acceleration
curve is quicker than at other circuits."
TEST STATS
Drivers Chassis Tuesday 16 May
Wednesday 17 May Thursday 18 May
Jenson Button RA106-06 -
176 laps Fastest lap 01:02.051 147 laps Fastest lap 01:01.949
Rubens Barrichello RA106-02 -
- 112 laps Fastest lap
01:01.467
Anthony Davidson RA106-02 127 laps Fastest lap
01:01.847 146 laps Fastest lap 01:02.515 -
James Rossiter RA106-06 76 laps Fastest lap 01:03.780
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