BAR Jerez test notes 2004-07-14

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda started its three driver, three day test programme at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain on Wednesday morning. Jenson and Anthony commenced the driving duties in chassis 01 and 02 respectively. It was also planned for Anthony to drive some short shakedown runs in the brand new chassis 06.

As at the previous Jerez test, once again the weather was very warm with a lunchtime ambient temperature of 34°C and a track temperature of 50°C. Jenson ran a new mechanical innovation and set the second fastest time of the morning - a 1m 17.922s, completing a total of 43 laps.

Anthony's plan for the morning was to concentrate on a comprehensive aerodynamic programme, however an engine failure caused him to stop out on the circuit limiting his running to 22 laps. Anthony, however, set the third fastest time of the morning - a 1m 18.039s.

The afternoon saw Jenson complete a Michelin test evaluating various options for both the forthcoming German and Hungarian Grands Prix. Jenson's recorded time from the morning session remained the second fastest of the day and he completed an impressive 114 laps in total.

Anthony set out to continue with his planned aerodynamic test, however, a gearbox and a further engine problem prevented him from completing the full afternoon programme. He completed a total of 45 laps and his time from the morning session remained the third fastest of the day - a 1:18.039. Anthony also completed 8 laps in chassis 06.

Thursday will see Takuma Sato join the test, taking over the driving duties in chassis 02 while Anthony will run a full day in chassis 06. Jenson will continue the test in chassis 01.

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