By Jamie Makin (12/02/2004)
February 13 2004

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda was back in action this week at the Jerez circuit in Spain, using two B.A.R Honda 006s during a comprehensive three-day test. Jenson Button, Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson all participated in the programme. Jenson and Taku drove on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Anthony replaced Jenson on Thursday.

The main objectives of the three days were: to shakedown and complete installation laps with the new chassis; to complete basic set-up work on both cars; to continue with the Michelin tyre development programme and for Jenson and Taku to complete simulated race distances with each of their respective 2004 chassis.

The weather over the three days was sunny, with cold mornings and warmer afternoons. Overall, the team enjoyed a very positive test, completing very valuable mileage on both new cars. Takuma's race simulation on Wednesday was cut short following a problem at his second pitstop, which caused him to spin into the gravel. However he still managed to record the second fastest time of the day, just behind teammate Jenson Button, who set the fastest overall time of the week on Wednesday. Anthony had limited running on Thursday but was able to get his first taste of the B.A.R Honda 006.

With one of his cars topping the time sheets once again, the team's Technical Director Geoffrey Willis, was pleased with progress. He reported: "Generally this has been a very useful test with few reliability problems. This was our first race team test with the two new cars and we were able to complete simulated race distances with Jenson and Takuma. This programme did reveal some small problems, which we are addressing, but overall the car continues to have competitive pace both on new tyres and on long runs."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director at Honda Racing Development was equally encouraged: "It has been good to have a second B.A.R Honda 006 here this week and to see both drivers cover a lot of mileage. We have done some useful set-up work with the Michelin tyres and some interesting race simulations. The engine has run well and lap times have been quite pleasing. We have lots of work to do in the remaining tests but have a good base to build on."

B.A.R returns to Spain next week for a three-day test in Valencia, beginning on Wednesday 18 February. Jenson, Takuma and Anthony will all be driving at the test, which will involve three cars on Wednesday and Thursday and two cars on Friday.