Honda private Jerez test summary

The Honda Racing F1 Team today concluded its preparations for the start of the 2008 Formula One season following a three-day private test at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain.

Race drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, along with Test and Reserve Driver Alex Wurz, each spent two days at the wheel of the RA108 cars, which were running with the team's latest aerodynamic and mechanical developments.

With the first race in Australia just over a week away, the test programme focused on the evaluation of the new parts to confirm the final specification for the first three flyaway races, along with qualifying, race start and race procedures.

The team's three drivers, who form the most experienced driver line-up on the Formula One grid this year, completed 603 laps, over 2670 kms of running.

Jenson and Rubens now head to Japan for the Honda Motor Sports pre-season press conference which takes place in Tokyo on Monday, before continuing their journey to Melbourne.

Jenson Button
"Our final test before the start of the season went well this week and it was very useful to evaluate the new developments that we have on the car. We completed some long run work in preparation for the race weekends and I was pleased that we have made a step forward in terms of performance. We are realistic about our expectations for the first few races and know that we still have a long way to go."

Rubens Barrichello
"I drove the car in the launch specification and with the new aero package this week, which was very useful to provide a direct performance comparison. Today I completed a lot of running with the new developments which was very beneficial. It is difficult to know where we are compared to the competition as we were testing privately, but I definitely feel we have taken a step in the right direction. We have improved the car and I feel comfortable that we are well prepared for the start of the season."

Alex Wurz
"This last winter test was a good exercise for us. The new aero upgrades open up new opportunities for the set-up and enable us to make better use of the tyres. I have completed two full race simulations without any problems and I believe we are well prepared for the season opener. I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing to develop the car over the next few races."

Steve Clark
"We are pleased with the progress that we have made at our private test in Jerez this week, where we signed off the specification of the RA108 for Melbourne. It is clear that the new package is a good step forward, not just on a single lap but also over longer runs. Virtually all of the wings and bodywork components have been updated since the launch specification and to good effect. Testing conditions have been challenging with strong and very gusty winds, so we look forward to seeing how the package translates to the race track next weekend in Australia."

-credit: honda