HOCKENHEIM 8-10 JULY 2008
END OF TEST REPORT
The Honda Racing F1 Team today concluded a three-day test
at the Hockenheimring in Germany, the scene of Round 10 of
the FIA Formula One World Championship which takes place next
weekend.
Buoyed by Rubens' podium finish in last weekend's British
Grand Prix, the team got back to the business of evaluating
further developments to the car for the balance of the European
races. The German Grand Prix will see the introduction of
the team's next package of aerodynamic, engine and mechanical
improvements. In addition, the drivers have been conducting
general set-up work in order to get a head start for when
they return to Hockenheim next weekend, with mixed weather
conditions this week laying the foundations for what could
be an equally variable race weekend according to early forecasts.
Alex Wurz was in the car for day one, bearing the brunt of
the intermittent rain showers and very gusty wind conditions,
which frustrated his progress. Nonetheless the team made the
most of every opportunity to get out on track and commence
the planned programme of aerodynamic and mechanical evaluations
and he completed 89 laps.
Rubens Barrichello joined the team for day two of the test,
which saw a gradual improvement in the weather conditions.
He continued the evaluation of the new mechanical and aero
parts but also took part in a 10-minute race start session
from the Hockenheim grid. Rubens' day was frustrated by instability
of the car under braking, despite various set-up changes to
try to improve the issue. He also suffered a gearbox problem
which compromised some of his afternoon session. He was able
to complete the planned programme however and a total of 90
laps.
Warm and sunny conditions greeted the arrival of Jenson Button
for day three of the test. He completed a total of 121 laps
in a continuation of the upgrade evaluation programme, together
with the simulated race starts and live refuelling where the
team addressed the issues which created a problematic second
pitstop for both drivers in last weekend's race. Jenson ended
the day in second position in the timings.
Alex Wurz
"I experienced pretty much every extreme of weather during
my one day on the track, with sun, rain and a full-blown storm
changing the course of the day in a matter of minutes. At
least we are prepared for any scenario next weekend! We had
a big list of items to get through so we made the most of
every chance to get out on track and I think we achieved some
interesting tests with the engine driveability and aerodynamic
developments. It made a refreshing change to test at a different
venue to the typical Spanish test tracks."
Rubens Barrichello
"This was the first time I have tested at Hockenheim
and obviously it is extremely beneficial to be able to test
at a track the week prior to actually racing there. We had
some problems with the braking stability which we spent a
lot of time trying to fix, however most of the planned programme
was positive. Hockenheim is a track that has given me a lot
of pleasure in the past so I'm looking forward to next week.
I think we have made a small step this week but in dry conditions
we are still not as competitive as we need to be."
Jenson Button
"My day in the car was very productive and we did a lot
of useful aerodynamic work and long run comparisons with the
different tyre compounds. The new parts we tested were positive
and we achieved a lot during my 121 laps. As always we won't
really know how much of an improvement the developments will
bring until we are into the race weekend, but I'm looking
forward to coming back here next week."
Steve Clark
"We are introducing our new aero package for next weekend's
race, a continuation of the developments we brought to Silverstone.
The weather conditions at the last test made it difficult
to fully evaluate the benefit of those developments therefore
we have conducted a further review which has made this an
especially busy test. We also have some improvements for engine
driveability, together with mechanical changes and a new fuel
system which is unrelated to the pit stop issue we encountered
in Silverstone with Rubens. However, we have of course taken
the opportunity to identify the cause of Sunday's issues and
will revise our methods in time for the German Grand Prix.
All the indications are that we have made progress here this
week."
TEST STATS (All timings are unofficial)
Drivers Tuesday 08 July Wednesday 09 July Thursday 10
July
Alex Wurz 89 laps 01:17.825 -
-
Rubens Barrichello - 90 laps 01:16.144 -
Jenson Button - - 121
laps 01:15.081
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