BAR Barcelona test notes 2002-09-18/20

Anthony Davidson commenced a three-day programme for Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda this week and an intensive period of testing which also saw B.A.R spending four days at the Idiada test circuit in Spain.

In Barcelona, the team were evaluating electronic software and aerodynamics for the United States Grand Prix. The Barcelona track is not particularly similar to Indianapolis and the faster, longer corners in Barcelona require a different set up for the car, however, it is closer in its characteristics than most other circuits.

On day 1, Anthony completed 43 laps in prevailing warm and sunny conditions. A mechanical problem stopped the car during the afternoon but the team were able to retrieve a final 30 minutes at the end of the session. His best time was a 1:21.484.

Jacques Villeneuve took over the reins on day 2 as Anthony headed to the Idiada facility to conduct some straight-line, suspension and aerodynamic evaluations. Jacques completed an extensive Bridgestone tyre test and an evaluation programme for Honda with the latest evolution of the engine. He completed 85 laps in a trouble-free day's running and achieved a best time of 1:18.793.

Olivier Panis was on track today to conclude the test with a programme of brake and tyre evaluation. An engine problem cut short his morning run but he was able to resume testing in the afternoon and completed 53 laps before a mechanical problem arose at the end of the session. He achieved a best time of 1:19.359 for the day.

Anthony Davidson will continue the straight line test at Idiada until Sunday.

Jacques Villeneuve:

"The programme went well. The main focus was to find the right tyre compound for Indy and to look at tyres for next season. We were running the latest evolution of the engine and it worked well so I am quite happy and feeling good about the next race."

Olivier Panis:

"The team have been working hard in Barcelona over the last week to find the best set-up, so I hope we will be able to make the best of the package that we have in Indianapolis. After scoring a point in Monza, I know that we have the potential to do well in the last two races."

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