Ellis about Honda's pre-season testing

Mark Ellis, Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance, has praised the efforts of everyone involved in creating and developing the Honda Racing F1 Team's RA106 car. With the opening race of the eagerly-anticipated 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship just one week away, the Honda Racing F1 Team has completed its preparations for the forthcoming campaign.

The long and exhaustive programme of pre-season tests ended on a high note on Thursday with third driver Anthony Davidson underlining the pace and durability of the team’s RA106 by breaking the unofficial lap record at Valencia by over half a second.

"This week brings our winter testing programme ahead of the 2006 season to a very satisfying conclusion,” confirmed Mark Ellis, Chief Engineer Vehicle Performance. “Anthony has driven superbly, completing a huge amount of laps every day at an impressive pace.”

Ellis also paid tribute to all of those who have contributed to the development of what’s clearly a reliable, quick chassis and engine. He said: “Since November 2005, we have completed 35 days of testing with the RA106 and the Concept car, covering over 27,000kms. 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."