Davidson top as Jerez test ends

This week's test at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain came to a close with Honda test driver Anthony Davidson at the top of the time sheet. The Brit clocked a best of 1:16.676 while working on aero evaluation and tyres. Honda also had development driver James Rossiter on duty and he was second fastest, three tenths off Davidson, and focused on electronics and tyres.

Anthony Davidson.

Photo by xpb.cc.

"We did some good aero comparisons and an intensive tyre programme over long runs, both of which gave us some positive results," said Davidson. "Reliability has also been excellent this week and I covered a lot of laps on both days with no problems at all."

Tester Robert Doornbos was third on the time sheet for Red Bull and GP2 racer Michael Ammermuller returned to the cockpit and rounded off the times in sixth. The team spent their week preparing for the last three races and working on tyres for China, while evaluating Ammermuller as a possible replacement in Doornbos' Friday third driver role.

"Today we got through more work than expected with Robert, completing the tyre programme and doing some race work," said chief test engineer Ian Morgan. "Michael also got through his programme. Apart from one small spin, he put in an impressive performance without making mistakes and completing over 200 laps."

Renault fielded Giancarlo Fisichella and tester Heikki Kovalianen, fourth and fifth respectively. Tyres were their focus, Kovalainen back at work after feeling unwell yesterday, and the pair completed over 280 laps between them.

"The drivers did a really good job, especially as we pushed them a lot to make up for lost time," said chief test engineer Christian Silk. "They did no mistakes and gave interesting feedback regarding the tests we made today. We are definitely satisfied with our preparation for the Chinese GP."