Honda returns to Barcelona

The Honda Racing F1 Team returned to the test track today to begin its preparations for the 2007 F1 season as winter testing kicked off at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. The main focus of this week´s test is an intensive evaluation of the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Weather conditions were cold and overcast throughout the day with ambient and track temperatures reaching a maximum of 16ºC by lunchtime.

Rubens Barrichello and James Rossiter began the test running in chassis RA106-02 and RA106-06 respectively. Both drivers concentrated on initial tyre evaluations alongside a programme of set-up changes. Rubens completed a total of 83 laps today with James finishing the day on 86 laps.

Christian Klien will have his first run in a Honda car tomorrow as he takes over from James in chassis RA106-06.