BAR Valencia test summary 2001-02-11

11 February 2002 B.A.R Completes 5-Day Test In Spain

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda returned from a comprehensive test in Valencia today where they put the early stages of the Melbourne package through its paces. Olivier Panis and Jacques Villeneuve were on track in their new BAR004s for the full 5 days and were joined by test drivers Anthony Davidson and Ryo Fukuda over the weekend.

With the primary focus on set-up and aero work in preparation for the Australian Grand Prix, the Team's programme had been frustrated by a lack of running time over the first three days, mainly due to numerous red flags. The Team were pushing hard to make up for lost time and as a result, experienced some minor problems. Honda's development spec engines are being used right up until the Grand Prix weekend so the problems they encountered provided useful troubleshooting ahead of the last pre-season test at Paul Ricard next week.

The Team benefited from quieter track conditions over the weekend and on Saturday morning Jacques topped the times with a 1.12.967, reporting that the car felt "fun to drive". Anthony Davidson also got his first taste of the new car - posting a personal best time at the Valencia circuit of 1.14.03 after just 5 laps.

Confirming both Olivier and Jacques' positive first impressions of the car, Anthony commented that the BAR004 felt much easier to drive than the BAR003 and that he had enjoyed his first experience behind the wheel in the new car.

New signing Ryo Fukuda had his second test with the team this weekend, taking once again to the BAR003 with the principle aim of continuing to familiarise himself both with the car and his new role within the Team.

Next week Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis will head up a 4-day test programme at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France, commencing 18 February. This will see another step evolution of the final Melbourne package.

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