JEREZ 21 JUNE
END OF TEST REPORT
The Honda Racing F1 Team completed a three-day test at the
Jerez circuit in southern Spain today. Opting to take advantage
of the excellent weather conditions in Spain to complete their
preparations for the forthcoming European races, the team
focused on the evaluation of new mechanical and aerodynamic
updates for the Honda RA107 car.
Christian Klien completed an installation day on Tuesday
to shakedown a number of new mechanical parts. The circuit
had relatively low grip due to a motorcycle event held over
the weekend but the track surface did improve throughout the
day. In addition to the shakedown running, Christian ran through
various electronic controls settings along with race start
simulations. He completed 77 laps.
Jenson Button was scheduled to take over the testing duties
on Wednesday, however on arrival in Jerez he had not fully
recovered from a slight back complaint, believed to have been
caused during his first corner incident during the race at
Indianapolis. The team took the decision to allow further
time for recovery. Christian therefore completed a second
day in the car with a more detailed evaluation of the aero
and mechanical updates, covering 61 laps.
Jenson was sufficiently recovered to take over the car for
the final day of the test. He concluded the team's planned
programme for the week posting 122 laps during a positive
day's running.
Jenson Button
"Today was a productive day. I completed 122 laps and
every single one of them was useful. We were testing our new
aero and mechanical parts and I believe it was a positive
test. However we need to wait until we get to Magny Cours
next week to see where we stand compared to the other teams."
Christian Klien
"A good test this week and it was especially valuable
for me to have some extended time in the car. We worked mainly
on the new updates and found some useful data. The weather
was perfect for testing all week which was a big advantage
in helping us to complete the planned programme."
Jacky Eeckelaert - Engineering Director
"Our test in Jerez went well this week. We had three
days of good and stable weather conditions which enabled us
to complete our programme. Our work was mainly focused around
preparation for the next two races in Magny Cours and Silverstone,
therefore we evaluated new mechanical parts along with front
suspension and aerodynamic updates. Our initial conclusion
is that the results from this week are positive and that we
have seen a good correlation between the track data and the
results from the wind tunnel. Therefore we expect to make
a small step forward in performance at the next race."
TEST STATS (All timings are unofficial)
Drivers Tuesday 19 June Wednesday 20 June
Thursday 22 June
Jenson Button - - 122
laps 01:19.621
Christian Klien 77 laps 01:21.435 61 laps 01:20.951 -
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