BAR Barcelona test notes 2002-03-22

TEST REVIEW - 22 March 2002

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda completed a 3-day test in Barcelona today, where the main focus was an evaluation of the problems which beset the team in Malaysia.

The original test programme was revised to incorporate a number of durability issues, for which Anthony Davidson was called upon to put the car through some intensive reliability checks. Olivier Panis joined the programme on Thursday for an aerodynamic evaluation, some engine development work and a Bridgestone tyre test in preparation for Brazil. Jacques Villeneuve's presence was not necessary and he has taken this opportunity to rest his back ahead of the forthcoming race weekend.

Anthony began testing on Wednesday, completing 38 laps in chassis BAR004/01 and a Honda data programme. At the end of the day he completed an 8-lap shakedown of a brand new chassis - BAR004/05. His best time of the day was a 1:21.296.

On Thursday, Anthony completed a race simulation with the new clutch solution and continued with some engine development work. He put in 82 laps and achieved a best time of 1:21.281. Olivier Panis started his 2-day test programme, working his way through a Bridgestone tyre test, some aero work and a further exploration of the clutch problems he encountered last weekend. He completed 66 laps and his best time was a 1:20.521 in the new chassis.

Today, Olivier did some further testing of gearbox solutions and tyres whilst continuing with the engine programme. He finished the day with the third best time - a 1:19.452 - and completed 74 laps. Anthony picked up the reins of the aerodynamic development work and completed a second race distance. His best time was a 1:20.314 and he put in 91 laps.

Back in the UK, Ryo Fukuda completed a two-day test programme at Elvington Airfield today, where the main focus was baseline testing for longer-term development.

Olivier Panis:

"After the weekend in Malaysia, we understood there was a lot of work to be done and we rolled up our sleeves for the last two days in Barcelona. We worked on a number of areas but concentrating on the main clutch problem. It looks like we may have found a solution for the future and that remains to be seen in Brazil, but so far so good. The tyre programme was quite positive, as was the work we did on the engine. I can feel that big changes are taking place within the team and I feel that people are extremely focused."

Anthony Davidson:

"We attempted two race distances and on the second run we got through with no problems at all, which is encouraging for the team and for me personally. We had good race pace but there is still more to come there. Generally, I feel positive about the work I have done this week."

Ryo Fukuda:

"After my last test with the team in Valencia nearly a month ago, it was good to do some further F1 testing. The programme went really well and without any major problems. I'm looking forward to my next test."

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