The B*A*R Honda team were at the Circuito de Jerez in Southern Spain this week for the final test of the 2005 Formula One season. With the two race drivers having a well-earned rest before the remaining races in Japan and China, third driver Anthony Davidson and Young Driver James Rossiter were on track as the team prepared its final performance upgrades on the B*A*R Honda 007 car.
Tony Kanaan, the 2004 IRL IndyCar champion, also joined the team in Jerez on Thursday for his first chance to drive a Formula One car. The team’s invitation was extended to Tony in recognition of his IndyCar achievements last year. Tony completed 51 laps in the B*A*R Honda 007 and enjoyed his experience in the car.
Anthony began the testing programme on Thursday driving alternately in two test cars to maximise his track time. He ran through a series of back-to-back set-up and aerodynamic evaluations completing a total of 94 laps.
Anthony continued to run through aerodynamic and suspension evaluations today, joined by James in the 2006 development car. Both drivers also completed tyre evaluations for the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix. Anthony completed a very impressive 150 laps, setting the second fastest time of the day. James completed 85 laps and did a good job in what was his second test for the team.
ANTHONY DAVIDSON
“It’s been a positive couple of days in Jerez this week, particularly today where we were able to complete so much mileage. I concentrated on new aero and suspension developments, plus the tyre evaluation for China. We also ran the Suzuka spec engine which felt good and was strong all week. I’d like to thank the team for all their support this year. The test programme has been intense but has gone very well and the team has constantly pushed our limits to the maximum – the fact that I completed 150 laps today shows that.”
JAMES ROSSITER
“It was a good test today and I am pleased to have been able to help the team with the final test programme of the season. We concentrated mainly on tyre and aero work in the development car. I’ve driven around Jerez in wet conditions last year but it is a very different experience in the dry and a circuit that I really enjoyed. I’m continuing to build my experience in the car and hope to be able to contribute more and more as my driving develops.”
MARK ELLIS, CHIEF TEST ENGINEER
“We have now completed our full test programme for the 2005 season. This week has again seen reasonable progress with our developments for the two remaining races and also some interesting developments ahead of our 2006 programme. A big thanks is due to the test team for all their hard work this year and their contribution to the improvement of the B*A*R Honda 007 car throughout this season.”
SHUHEI NAKAMOTO, ENGINEERING DIRECTOR, HONDA RACING DEVELOPMENT
“This week’s test has not seen us try any new engine developments but we have continued to run the Suzuka specification engine ready for our home grand prix next weekend. We have focused mainly on studying next year’s controls systems.”
Press release
DailyF1News.com
