BAR Valencia test summary 2004-03-09/12

The Lucky Strike B*A*R Honda test team has been in action this week, undertaking a four-day test in Valencia with the '04 Concept car. Anthony Davidson, fresh from his Friday testing duties in Melbourne, drove on all four days.

This week's programme encompassed various tests, including a full Michelin tyre evaluation programme, suspension testing and further reliability testing for the Honda engine. Anthony has completed a total of 1300 kilometres.

The team had planned to dedicate today to a Michelin wet tyre test. Unfortunately, on Anthony's second run of the morning he aquaplaned off the circuit, damaging the chassis. It was decided that the test should be brought to an early conclusion in order to repair the damage. Despite this early end to the test, the team has completed the planned programme.

B*A*R will now move to the Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian Grand Prix, round two of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship, which will take place on Sunday 21 March.

Anthony Davidson:

"We've had a really good week apart from today. The car has been very reliable and we have got through an enormous amount of tyre testing. We learnt a lot and had a particularly good day yesterday when we worked on the Imola tyre choice. On Wednesday we made the most out of the dry conditions, went out on new tyres and ended up fastest for the day. That was really good and we actually set some good times in the wet that day as well."

"Because of that, I was really looking forward to the wet test today, but unfortunately I aquaplaned and went wide off the circuit. I didn't spin, but I ran over a kerb which damaged the chassis. I was only on the outlap and it was just a disappointing end to a really good test. I'm now looking forward to getting out to Malaysia for Friday practice."

Mark Ellis, Chief Test Engineer:

"Apart from the final day we've had a very productive test. We've achieved all of our objectives and the car has been incredibly reliable. We've worked very hard with Michelin on tyre choices for future Grands Prix and have also done further reliability work with the latest engine package, achieving well in excess of a race weekend's mileage on a single engine. This morning's incident was unfortunate as we were looking forward to another positive wet test with our tyre partner Michelin but we are now looking forward to the next test at Paul Ricard in a fortnight."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development:

"We had a productive three days of testing. The engine ran without any problems, lap times were consistently good and we have made more progress on understanding the Michelin tyres. It was a shame we lost most of today's wet running, but we are looking forward to the special challenges of Malaysia where we should perform well."

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