BAR interview with Davidson

BAR third driver Anthony Davidson talks about his testing role, the challenges of the 2005 Grand Prix season and his life away from the race track.

Q: How is the B.A.R Honda 007 developing?

Anthony Davidson.

Photo by xpb.cc.

Anthony Davidson: Every time we run the car in testing it becomes easier and more consistent to drive. The tests since Bahrain at Barcelona and Paul Ricard have been important for us in terms of performance and moving onto the next step.

Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically?

AD: I enjoy training so physically I am fitter and more prepared than I have ever been. This year has been a bit more mentally demanding so far with not driving on Fridays anymore. It's easy to get a bit frustrated as I just want to be racing!

Q: With the proposed reduction to 30 days testing, will your test schedule be even more intensive?

AD: Not really. Testing is always tough work and we have always pushed as hard as we can to ensure we cover as much of the programme as possible in any given day.

Q: What is your favourite test circuit and why?

AD: Jerez, as I like the flow of the circuit and its location.

Q: Explain your routine over a test session...

AD: I arrive at the circuit for 7.30am, get changed into my racesuit and then have some breakfast. Our first engineering meeting starts at 8.00am, followed by a massage with my physio Karl Bickley. Then it's into the car for 8.50am and the first installation lap on track at 9.00am. Generally we drive non-stop until 6.00pm, with a short lunch break. At the end of the day, we have more engineering meetings, another massage, dinner and then finally back to the hotel for around 8.30pm.

Q: Away from a test session, what is your routine?

AD: Catch up with sleep and doing things to keep healthy and fit. I try to get out on my mountain bike or racing bike as much as I can and refresh my mind. And most importantly, I spend time with my fianc?e!

Q: What is your role over a race weekend now that there is no third car for the team in Friday practice sessions?

AD: I still attend all of the engineering meetings and debriefs when I am at the track so that I can contribute to the strategy discussions and data analysis. I also do some work for our Marketing Team, visiting our VIP guests in the team's Paddock Club Suite. I enjoy commentating for host broadcasters during the Qualifying sessions when I am asked to by our Communications Team and of course I always try to participate in the circuit autograph signings for the fans.

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