Button comfortable driving slicks

The Honda Racing F1 Team began the final test of 2007 at the Jerez circuit in Spain today. This week’s test will run for four days and sees the team using the Bridgestone slick tyres for the 2009 season for the first time.

Jenson Button had the driving responsibilities for the first day of the test today and continued the evaluation of the 2008 standard electronic controls system, which removes traction control and driver aids, and was tested for the first time by the team at Barcelona in November.

Jenson also completed an initial evaluation with the 2009 slick tyres, setting his fastest lap of the day - a 01:19.155 – whilst running on the slicks. Jenson completed a total of 69 laps to round off his testing responsibilities for the year.

Rubens Barrichello will continue the test programme tomorrow and on Thursday

The Honda Young Driver Programme also continues in Jerez as young GP2 drivers Mike Conway, Luca Filippi and Andreas Zuber have a second opportunity to work with Honda this week.

Mike had his day in the car today and continued his acclimatisation programme from the Barcelona test as he continued to work with the engineers to understand the car set-up. In the afternoon, Mike focused on longer runs before finishing the day with short new tyres runs. Mike completed 87 laps in total. Andi Zuber will take over the car tomorrow.