British GP: Honda Friday practice notes

The Honda Racing F1 Team fielded all three of its drivers in today's two free practice sessions at Silverstone. This morning Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button ended the session in 10th and 15th places, although Jenson returned to the garage early after experiencing slight muscular pain in his back. This appears to be consistent with the pain he suffered after he was caught up in a first-corner shunt at the United States Grand Prix last month.

This afternoon, the decision was taken that Jenson should sit out the second practice session to avoid aggravating the injury. Reserve and Test Driver Christian Klien took over in Jenson's car to complete the balance of the day's programme in preparation for Sunday's British Grand Prix. Rubens continued with his set-up and Bridgestone tyre comparison work and he set a best time of 1:22.511s, placing him 17th fastest. Christian was immediately up to speed in the other car and ended the day 18th on the timesheets.

Rubens Barrichello:

"It was a fairly standard Friday today, although the weather conditions were quite windy around the circuit. We worked through the usual set-up and tyre comparisons as well as trying a different brake material during the afternoon session. Overall the car balance felt better by the end of the day, especially on the long runs. We do still have to find some more time on the short runs however."

Jenson Button:

"This morning the conditions were very gusty, particularly through Becketts, and we were struggling to find a good balance. Although I had to sit out the afternoon session it looks like we have made some good progress with our planned programme and I will be looking at the data this evening with the engineers in preparation for tomorrow."

Christian Klien:

"I am pleased to have had the opportunity to drive the car this afternoon and to help the team complete our planned programme for today. Silverstone is a circuit that I know very well so I was able to feel comfortable in the car straightaway. We had a lot to achieve in the session with the tyres, especially looking at the long run pace for the race on Sunday, so it was good to be able to complete 45 laps."

Jacky Eeckelaert, Engineering Director:

"In the first free practice this morning Rubens found a reasonable balance for his car, despite the very windy conditions which made set-up quite a challenge. Unfortunately Jenson had to stop before the end of the session because of his back pain. To allow Jenson to rest we put Christian in the car this afternoon and he did a good job with the long run tyre comparisons. Rubens also worked on long run pace to help us prepare for the race on Sunday."

Rubens Barrichello
Chassis: RA107-04
Practice 1: 27 laps, 1:22.956,10th
Practice 2: 39 laps, 1:22.511, 17th

Jenson Button
Chassis: RA107-05
Practice 1: 17 laps, 1:23.517, 15th

Christian Klien
Chassis: RA107-04
Practice 2: 45 laps, 1:22.833, 18th

-credit: honda