Honda Valencia test summary 2006-02/03-28/02

The Honda Racing F1 Team concluded its winter testing programme at the Valencia circuit in Spain today. Third driver Anthony Davidson was at the wheel of the Honda RA106 to complete the three-day programme with the team concentrating on final race preparations, comprehensive tyre evaluations with team partner Michelin and running the latest specification RA806E engine.

Anthony began the test on Tuesday, spending his early laps setting up chassis RA106-02 followed by a series of tyre evaluations. He completed 146 laps setting the second fastest time overall. The tyre programme continued on Wednesday and Thursday as Anthony evaluated tyre options for the forthcoming flyaway races.

He completed 144 laps on Wednesday and 122 laps on Thursday, setting the fastest time on Thursday - a 01:08.544 - to bring the team's final day of testing to a close by breaking the unofficial lap record at the Valencia circuit.

This final pre-season test concludes an intensive development programme since the RA106 car made its debut on 25 January, covering 14700kms over eighteen test days, with the car proving to be consistently strong in its pace and reliability. The Honda Racing F1 Team is now looking forward to the Bahrain Grand Prix in ten days and seeing how the RA106 will perform in a competitive race environment.

Anthony Davidson:

"It's been another really good test this week and we were able to cover lots of miles every day. We focused mainly on tyre evaluations but also did some set-up work which found improvements on the aero and mechanical set-up of the car."

"The car feels good and it has been generally fast and well balanced all week. It was great to finish off the long winter testing season by breaking the unofficial lap record today! We're all looking forward to Bahrain now, I think we'll be strong there and I can't wait to get back to driving on Fridays again."

Mark Ellis, Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance:

"This week brings our winter testing programme ahead of the 2006 season to a very satisfying conclusion. Anthony has driven superbly, completing a huge amount of laps every day at an impressive pace."

"Since November 2005, we have now completed thirty five days of testing with the RA106 and the Concept car, covering over 27000kms. Throughout February we have been able to complete well over 500kms in each car per day."

"The performance and reliability demonstrated by the RA106 is testament to the skill and effort of everyone at the Honda Racing F1 Team, both in Brackley and Tochigi. The whole team has worked tirelessly to ensure that we are in the best possible shape ahead of the first races of the season."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development:

"A very pleasing way to end the winter testing programme. The Bahrain specification engine ran well with its final refinements, and we are ready to race."

-honda-