BAR Valencia test notes 2002-04-02/04

LUCKY STRIKE B.A.R HONDA ADDRESS RELIABILITY ISSUES IN VALENCIA

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda completed a comprehensive 3-day test in Valencia today with the combined aim of working through the reliability issues that resurfaced in last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix and achieving a steady performance gain in the coming races. Anthony Davidson was present for the duration of the test and Olivier Panis joined the team for the last two days.

The programme for Day 1 (Tuesday) was completely dictated by constant rain, which did at least give the team an opportunity to work on wet weather running. Anthony completed 40 laps working on some revised electronic control systems for Imola. He set a best time of 1:38.564.

Olivier joined the test on Wednesday and brought with him a big improvement in the weather. In sunny but windy conditions, he completed 77 laps and set the third best time of the day - a 1:14.559 against Raikkonen's 1:12.548. Olivier worked his way through a very busy programme comprising electronic control improvements, a pre-Imola brake evaluation, a Bridgestone tyre test, exhaust solutions and some general aerodynamic improvements for the next race.

Anthony completed only 9 laps in total on Wednesday after his car was kept in the garage by a recurrence of the recent gearbox problem. His best time was a 1.17.326.

Today, both drivers worked through elements of the last two days, with an additional focus on aerodynamic updates planned for later in the year and a further Bridgestone tyre test. Olivier completed 70 laps and achieved a best time of 1:13.469, ending the day 6th fastest. Anthony's day was cut short by an accident which put the car out of action for the rest of the day, so he completed only 40 laps. His best time was a 1:14.155.

Technical Director Geoffrey Willis commented: "The focus of our test has been dealing with the reliability issues from the first three races and looking ahead in terms of planning for performance updates later this season. Most importantly, we have to ensure we are in a position over the next few races to operate the car to its current full potential.

Olivier Panis commented: "Anthony and I have had a good 3-day test working mainly on our reliability issues. We also did some good work with Honda and have certainly improved the driveability of the car for the next race. We have to wait and see how things go for us in Imola but I feel that we have made a small step forward since Brazil"

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