The Honda Racing F1 Team concluded its 2006 testing programme at the Jerez circuit in Spain today. Christian Klien and JamesRossiter shared the testing duties this week, with IndyCar driver Marco Andretti joining the team on Friday for his first drive in aFormula One car.
Christian and James began the test on Wednesday with both drivers concentrating on chassis set-up work and long tyre runs as theevaluation of the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres continues. Christian completed 123 laps with James finishing the day on 97 laps.On Thursday, Christian spent the morning continuing the chassis programme whilst James concentrated on new tyre runs, followedby an aero evaluation. For the afternoon session, both drivers completed further long tyre runs with excellent reliability allowingChristian to achieve 113 laps and James 117 laps in total.
James continued the testing programme on Friday morning with further chassis work covering 66 laps. Christian took over the carafter the lunch break to continue the programme, running for a further 56 laps.
Christian Klien“I focused on doing long runs at this test to see how the tyres were working over longer distances. I also did a lot of work on thecontrols where we found some improvements. I am feeling much more familiar now working with the team and driving the car afterthe three weeks of testing. Physically I felt very good after two and a half days in the car and look forward to driving again in January.”
James Rossiter“We have had a very productive three days for our final test of the year. We are continuing to develop our understanding about thetyres all the time and the car has been very reliable so we were able to cover a lot of laps every day. Hopefully all the data collectedwill help us in the development of next year’s car.”
Mark Ellis - Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance“This week we have continued our programme of understanding the Bridgestone tyres, primarily focusing on long runs. Over the lastthree weeks, the impressive reliability of the RA106 has allowed us to complete 8000kms on the new specification tyres. This hasbeen a successful start to our winter test campaign and also a fitting way to end the year. The whole team has contributedenormously to the progress we have made and we are looking forward a short break before resuming testing in January. It has beena pleasure to give Marco Andretti his first drive in a Formula One car today; he approached the day in a mature and professionalmanner well in advance of his years and performed well.”
TEST STATS (NB - All timings are unofficial)Drivers Chassis Wednesday 13 December Thursday 14 December Friday 15 DecemberChristian Klien RA106-02/06 123 laps Fastest lap 01:20.000 113 laps Fastest lap 01:19.665 56 laps Fastest lap 01:20.450James Rossiter RA106-06 97 laps Fastest lap 01:20.017 117 laps Fastest lap 01:19.535 66 laps Fastest lap 01:19.800
MARCO ANDRETTI - GUEST DRIVEIndyCar driver Marco Andretti joined the Honda Racing F1 Team in Jerez today for his first drive in an F1 car. The team offered theopportunity to Marco to drive the RA106 race car in recognition of his achievements in the Honda-powered IndyCar series this year.Marco began running shortly after 9am this morning with an installation lap, followed by several short runs to familiarise himself withthe car and get used to the controls. He completed 33 laps before the morning session came to a close.
Marco was back on track at the start of the afternoon session and continued to steadily improve to his lap times as he completed afurther 35 laps for a total of 68 laps today.Testing SummaryFriday 15 December No of Laps 68 lapsFastest Lap 01:21.891
Marco Andretti“First of all I couldn’t have had more fun today and it’s a shame that it was only a day! It took me a little while to get used to thetraction control and the brakes but once I got to grips with them, the times were more and more consistent. I would like to say a bigthank you to the Honda Racing F1 Team on how professional and welcoming they have been this week, and I’m sure that they willhave a good season next year.”
Gil de Ferran - Sporting Director“It’s been great to have Marco with the team and in the car today. He did a good job and acclimatised himself well to the unfamiliarsurroundings in the very short time that a one-day test provides. Marco looked comfortable straightaway with the car and the track,and overall it was a good first experience in a Formula One car. ”
