BAR Barcelona test notes 2002-11-26/28

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda began testing for 2003 in earnest this week at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Anthony Davidson was driving the BAR 004 for the duration of the three day programme (26 - 28 November), the aim of which was to undertake reliability and performance testing, mainly concerning electronic systems, transmission and mechanical parts relating to next year's car.

The programme for day one was to concentrate on electronic software systems, with the car proving reliable throughout the day. Anthony was able to complete 57 laps with a fastest lap time of 1:21.733.

Day two of the test saw Anthony completing 77 laps with a best time of 1:20.231. The day began with further evaluation work on the electronic software systems but was cut short by a problem late morning which caused the car to stop on the track. The team resumed running in the afternoon to carry out a tyre test for Bridgestone.

Today a mechanical problem stopped running for a short while at the end of the morning session but this was resolved in time to allow the team to continue its software evaluation work in the afternoon. Anthony was able to complete a total of 72 laps, setting a best time for the day of 1.19.536.

Commenting on the test, Anthony Davidson said: "It feels good to be back in the car after the autumn break, although I know Barcelona like the back of my hand now so it doesn't really feel as though I've been away for long. We've completed quite a lot of laps over the last three days and have made good progress with our programme."

B.A.R's next test will be in Barcelona next week (3rd - 5th December) with Anthony Davidson behind the wheel on days 1 and 2, and Jacques Villeneuve driving on day 3. Ralph Firman, whose test drive was previously scheduled for 15th December, will now be driving on the afternoon of Thursday 5th December.

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