Busy day for Honda
The Honda Racing F1 Team began its on-track preparations for the 2008 Formula One season at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona today. The three-day test sees the team’s 2007 car, the RA107, running without traction control as the new standardised electronic controls system is evaluated for the first time.
James Rossiter began the testing duties today at the wheel of the RA107, which is running in the team’s interim livery of Honda Championship White. James spent the morning working through a systems check for the new electronics. As with any significant regulation change, reliability issues caused a number of circuit red lights which interrupted running throughout the morning. James continued his work through the afternoon session, concentrating on longer runs, to complete a total of 69 laps.
Andreas Zuber was also in action in Barcelona today as the first of the three young GP2 drivers to be put through their paces in the Honda Young Driver Programme this week. Andi went out this morning for his first drive in a Formula One car and spent his early laps acclimatising to the car and track conditions. His programme continued in the afternoon with longer runs before finishing the day with a short qualifying run.
Luca Filippi will have his turn in the same car tomorrow, followed by Mike Conway on Thursday.
Jenson Button will be back at the wheel of the Honda Racing F1 Team’s RA107 tomorrow after a rigorous pre-winter training programme. Jenson will complete the final two days of the team’s test programme.
Yesterday’s announcement regarding the appointment of Ross Brawn as the new Team Principal of the Honda Racing F1 Team will give both Jenson and Rubens Barrichello a welcome boost as preparations for 2008 intensify.
Jenson Button said, “The changes we have made over the past few months are exactly what is needed to move us forward. It was a great idea to pursue someone of Ross Brawn’s calibre and I’m very pleased that he is on board. Success can never be down to just one person in Formula One, but with his experience of winning multiple world championships Ross will play a pivotal role. This is a big boost for the team and I’m looking forward to working with him. The next few years at Honda are going to be very exciting indeed.”
Rubens Barrichello, currently in Brazil before returning to Europe to take part in the Jerez test in early December commented, “I am delighted that Ross is coming to the team. He will bring not just experience but also enormous determination. Just like me when I came to the team, he will be able to take a fresh approach with new people. It was my great pleasure to work with Ross in the past and we shared many special moments, including in 2000 when I won my first race. I look forward to hearing him on my radio again!”
