BAR Jerez test notes 2002-06-12/14

POSITIVE TEST PREPARES B.A.R FOR EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX

Olivier Panis, Anthony Davidson and Patrick Lemarie tested for Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda in Jerez this week.

Anthony and Patrick commenced the programme on Wednesday (12th), the focus of which was general preparation for next weekend's European Grand Prix. On day one, Patrick carried out a shakedown of the Honda development car to prepare for a comprehensive programme of testing over the following two days. He was able to complete 56 laps in a trouble-free first day of data gathering and posted a fastest time of 1:23.176.

Anthony's day was dictated by the arrival of some new Nürburgring-specification parts. His running started early afternoon and he completed 22 laps, posting a fastest time of 1:22.635.

On Thursday, Olivier took over from Anthony and began a programme of tyre testing for Bridgestone. At the same time, he tested the aerodynamic package for the next race. A hydraulic problem confined him to the garage briefly but was swiftly resolved. Later in the day, he posted the third fastest time overall - a 1:20.434 - and achieved a total of 54 laps.

Patrick continued with his own programme on Thursday, completing 77 laps. His focus was a comprehensive series of tests designed to amass data and this was reflected in his best time overall - a 1:23.758.

Patrick ran solo on Friday, once again in the Honda development car. The final day of his programme saw him successfully complete a Bridgestone tyre test whilst gathering further data for Honda. He completed 97 laps with a best time of 1:22.618.

At the end of his day's running on Thursday, Olivier Panis commented: "I've had a positive test here today and I'm pleased to finish the day with the 3rd fastest lap. Canada has given me a boost so I'm really looking forward to the next race and improving on 8th place."

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