Honda Barcelona test notes 2008-06-14

END OF TEST REPORT

The Honda Racing F1 Team completed a three-day test programme at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona today in preparation for the next race on the Formula One calendar. The French Grand Prix, round eight of the 2008 championship, will be held at the Circuit de Nevers in Magny Cours on Sunday 22 June.

Anthony Davidson took the wheel of the Honda RA108 for the first day of the test with Rubens Barrichello taking over the car on Friday and Saturday. With Jenson Button not scheduled to participate in this test and Alex Wurz competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, Anthony was assisting the team with this week's test programme.

Anthony began his running on Thursday with several laps to acclimatise himself to the RA108. Once comfortable with the car, he spent the remainder of the day working on an aero programme alongside general car set-up work as the team began the on-track preparations for Magny Cours. Anthony had completed 81 laps when a heavy thunderstorm brought the day's running to a slightly early conclusion.

Rubens joined the team in Barcelona on Friday to take over the car for the remaining two days of the test. His programme for the day saw a continuation of the set-up work begun by Anthony on Thursday, with an aero evaluation in the morning and chassis set-up work during the afternoon. Rubens completed 122 laps over the day.

Rubens continued his running in the RA108 on Saturday for the final day of the test. The schedule for the morning saw a continuation of the chassis set-up programme, although running was interrupted by a few light rain showers. Rubens continued the set-up work into the afternoon, along with a suspension evaluation, covering 83 laps by the end of the day.

Anthony Davidson

"It was good to be back on track this week after such a long absence. We had a positive day of testing which allowed us to achieve some interesting work with the aero and mechanical evaluations ahead of the French Grand Prix. I am pleased to have to been to contribute to the test programme and help the team this week whilst Alex has been competing at Le Mans."

Rubens Barrichello

"We had a good two days in Barcelona this week and were able to cover a lot of mileage. Without any major new test items, we focused on set-up work and I'm happy with the progress that we made. We were able to improve the car mechanically which gives me a good feeling going into the French Grand Prix next weekend."

Steve Clark

"A solid test from Rubens and Anthony this week and it was a great help to have a driver of the experience and calibre of Anthony available to step in and assist us with the programme. As we did not have any significant aero developments at this test, we concentrated on the set-up and balance of the RA108 to address some of the issues that we have identified at recent Grands Prix. We also introduced some suspension components which will open up the possibility to further improve the car at future races. From Barcelona, we now head to the centre of France for the next race in Magny Cours. The Circuit de Nevers is a high downforce track with a smooth surface which should suit our car much better than the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal."

-credit: honda