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echo: automobile_racing
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from: Sean Rima sean
date: 2004-02-12 23:28:42
subject: F1: BAR Jerez test summary 2004-02-10/12

Lucky Strike B*A*R Honda was back in action on Tuesday at the Jerez
circuit in Spain, using two B*A*R Honda 006's during a three-day test.
Jenson Button, Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson all participated in the
programme.

The main objectives of the three days have been: to shakedown and
complete installation laps with the new chassis, to complete basic set-up
work on both cars, to continue with the Michelin tyre development
programme, and for Jenson and Takuma to complete simulated race distances
with each of their respective cars.

The weather over the three days has been sunny, with cold mornings and
warmer afternoons. Overall, the team has enjoyed a very positive test,
completing very valuable mileage on the two B*A*R Honda 006's, and
collecting useful information.

Takuma's race simulation on Wednesday was
cut short following a problem at his second pitstop, which caused him to
spin into the gravel. However he still managed to record the second
fastest time of the day, just behind teammate Jenson Button, who for the
second day running set the fastest time. Anthony had limited running
today but was able to get his first taste of the new car.

B*A*R will return to Spain next week for a three-day test in Valencia,
beginning on Wednesday 18 February. Jenson, Takuma and Anthony will all
be driving at the test, which will involve three cars on
Wednesday and Thursday and two cars on Friday.

Jenson Button:

"In general, the test has been good. Obviously it's nice to top the
timesheets again, and I am pleased for the team. We've concentrated
mostly on tyre work and reliability and the car has been pretty
consistent. We've worked closely with Michelin on two new compounds, on
both short and long runs. The test gave us some very useful information,
and reinforced the fact that we're heading in the right direction.
There's still a few problems to address and the next couple of tests will
be vital to sort these issues out and get a lot more long runs in before
Melbourne."

Takuma Sato:

"It's been a very good three days and my first proper time in the new
car. I have completed two race simulations, and it has been very
encouraging to do so many laps straight away. We have done lots of tyre
testing and set-up work and have learned a lot about the new car - most
importantly that it is fast and reliable. I've had some quick times this
week, and that gives you so much confidence with a brand new car. We have
a good complete package now and I am looking forward to driving it again
in Valencia next week."

Anthony Davidson:

"It has been an unfortunate day for me personally. We worked on my seat
positioning until late last night, but it still wasn't right today. I got
a few laps in but this problem really affected my running so we are just
focusing on overcoming it prior to Valencia."

Geoffrey Willis, Technical Director:

"Generally this has been a very useful test with few reliability
problems. This was our first race team test with the two new cars and we
were able to complete simulated race distances with Jenson and Takuma.
This programme did reveal some small problems, which we are addressing,
but overall the car continues to have competitive pace both on new tyres
and on long runs.

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development:

"It has been good to have a second B*A*R Honda 006 here this week and to
see both drivers cover a lot of mileage. We have done some useful set-up
work with the Michelin tyres and some interesting race simulations. The
engine has run well and lap times have been quite pleasing. We have lots
of work to do in the remaining tests but have a good base to build on."

-bar-


http://www.motorsport.com -- your source for motorsport news on the Internet



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