Honda Monza test notes 2008-08-29

Track Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Italy

Driver                  Jenson Button

No of Laps                     96 laps

Best Lap Time          01:24.321

Kilometres Covered     556km

Track Length           5.793km

Total Test Laps         274 laps

Total Test Kilometres  1586 km

Next Test                      Circuito de Jerez, 16-19 September

Weather                         Hot and sunny

Ambient Temperature    Maximum 31C

Track Temperature              Maximum 50C

SUMMARY

Jenson Button today concluded the Honda Racing F1 Team's three-day test at the Monza circuit in Italy.

Jenson's programme for the day included a suspension evaluation, along with further aerodynamic and set-up work in preparation for the forthcoming Belgian and Italian Grands Prix. Jenson also continued the evaluation of the medium and hard Bridgestone tyre compounds which will be used for these races.

JENSON BUTTON

"This week's test has been useful in developing our direction for the next two races. We have worked on finalising the downforce packages required for Spa and Monza along with an initial study of the tyre compounds. Although we have made some progress, the balance of the car is not where I would like it to be, particularly for Monza, and we need to analyse the data carefully to make improvements before the race weekend."

RUBENS BARRICHELLO

"We focused on evaluating the aero set-ups required for Spa and Monza this week and were able to achieve a good balance although there is further progress to be made on performance. We also ran the two Bridgestone tyres which will be used for those races, along with developments to our braking system which proved to be positive."

ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL

"Both drivers had their work split this week between preparation for the next race in Spa and the subsequent race at Monza. Monza is a unique circuit with very high speed and low downforce characteristics which gives the driver difficulties in the big braking areas and with traction out of the slow corners. Our drivers suffered all the classic problems that we habitually experience at Monza, and without traction control, engine driveability adds another dimension to the challenge. We have not achieved a perfect set-up and balance this week and have further work to do in analysing the data before we return for the race in two weeks time."

-credit: honda