JEREZ END OF TEST REPORT
The Honda Racing F1 Team today concluded its preparations
for the start of the 2008 Formula One season following a three-day
private test at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain.
Race drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, along
with Test and Reserve Driver Alex Wurz, each spent two days
at the wheel of the RA108 cars, which were running with the
team's latest aerodynamic and mechanical developments.
With the first race in Australia just over a week away, the
test programme focused on the evaluation of the new parts
to confirm the final specification for the first three flyaway
races, along with qualifying, race start and race procedures.
The team's three drivers, who form the most experienced driver
line-up on the Formula One grid this year, completed 603 laps,
over 2670 kms of running.
Jenson and Rubens now head to Japan for the Honda Motor Sports
pre-season press conference which takes place in Tokyo on
Monday, before continuing their journey to Melbourne.
Jenson Button
"Our final test before the start of the season went well
this week and it was very useful to evaluate the new developments
that we have on the car. We completed some long run work in
preparation for the race weekends and I was pleased that we
have made a step forward in terms of performance. We are realistic
about our expectations for the first few races and know that
we still have a long way to go."
Rubens Barrichello
"I drove the car in the launch specification and with
the new aero package this week, which was very useful to provide
a direct performance comparison. Today I completed a lot of
running with the new developments which was very beneficial.
It is difficult to know where we are compared to the competition
as we were testing privately, but I definitely feel we have
taken a step in the right direction. We have improved the
car and I feel comfortable that we are well prepared for the
start of the season."
Alex Wurz
"This last winter test was a good exercise for us. The
new aero upgrades open up new opportunities for the set-up
and enable us to make better use of the tyres. I have completed
two full race simulations without any problems and I believe
we are well prepared for the season opener. I am looking forward
to the challenge of continuing to develop the car over the
next few races."
Steve Clark
"We are pleased with the progress that we have made at
our private test in Jerez this week, where we signed off the
specification of the RA108 for Melbourne. It is clear that
the new package is a good step forward, not just on a single
lap but also over longer runs. Virtually all of the wings
and bodywork components have been updated since the launch
specification and to good effect. Testing conditions have
been challenging with strong and very gusty winds, so we look
forward to seeing how the package translates to the race track
next weekend in Australia."
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