2007 CHINESE GRAND PRIX SHANGHAI
FREE PRACTICE
The Honda Racing F1 Team's preparations for the penultimate
race of the 2008 season got underway in China today at the
Shanghai International Circuit.
Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello used today's two free
practice sessions to set up the RA107s to suit the demands
of this medium-high downforce track and evaluate the hard
and medium compound Bridgestone Potenza tyres available for
this race.
At the start of session one, the track conditions were very
slippery and after completing their installation laps, both
Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello remained in the pits
until more rubber was laid on the racing line. Once the grip
levels had improved, the drivers set to work and completed
a total of 40 laps, with their fastest laps separated by less
than 0.1s.
For the afternoon, the drivers worked on the set-ups of their
RA107s and lapped quicker than in the morning. Jenson ended
up 12th and Rubens 13th after adding a further 81 laps to
the day's total. Both drivers ended the day within 0.1s of
each other, indicating that they were getting the best from
the car.
JENSON BUTTON
"Today's running was positive with a good number of laps
covered. We were able to get a sound understanding of both
the prime and option tyres and the car is working reasonably
well. We tried a few different set-ups over the two sessions
and have a lot of information to go through this evening to
prepare for the rest of the weekend."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
"This has been a better Friday for me than at the last
two races so I am pleased with our day. The car was well balanced
for the long runs and the pace seems reasonable for this stage
of the weekend. I am still using the spare car since changing
chassis before qualifying in Japan and I have been happier
with that. Overall a positive start to the weekend and actually
better than we expected here in Shanghai."
JACKY EECKELAERT
Engineering Director
"We conducted our usual race preparation by a long run
comparison of both types of tyre. By the end of the day we
had found a good balance on both compounds. Using that data
we will work out the best strategy for Sunday's race."
FREE PRACTICE STATS
Drivers Car No. Chassis No. Free Practice 1 Free Practice
2
Jenson Button 7 RA107-04 18 laps 01:38.942 P14 41 laps 01:38.205
P12
Rubens Barrichello 8 RA107-05 22 laps 01:38.945 P15 40 laps
01:38.304 P13
Weather Hot and dry
Temperatures Air: 28-31°C Track: 38-46°C
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