BAR Honda were at the Autodromo Nationale Monza in Northern Italy this week for an intensive test ahead of the last two European races of the 2005 season. With race drivers Jenson Button and Takuma Sato, plus third driver Anthony Davidson, in attendance, the team concentrated on set-up work for the Italian Grand Prix next weekend, as well as extensive aerodynamic, tyre and engine evaluations.
BAR Honda Young Driver Adam Carroll was also present at Monza as he begins to step up his testing responsibilities with the team. Adam was at the wheel of a development car with 2006 systems, gaining track time when one or both of the two main test cars were not running.
Jenson had a productive day on Thursday working through both aerodynamic and tyre evaluations, alongside set-up work for the forthcoming races. He completed a total of 115 laps. Takuma also ran through a tyre evaluation, completing 97 laps. Adam completed three early runs in the development car to acclimatise himself to both the car and circuit, before going out again for the afternoon session to complete a total of 37 laps.
Anthony joined the test today, taking over the car from Jenson. He ran through a repeat of the aero evaluation which Jenson completed yesterday, completing 110 laps. Takuma had a frustrating morning as his engine failed during his first run of the day, although this was changed quickly enabling him to go back out and complete his planned tyre evaluation. His final lap tally for the day was 94 laps. Adam continued to put more mileage on the development car, completing 81 laps and achieving a good level of consistency with some encouraging lap times.
Jenson Button: "The test on Thursday was productive and we ran through our programme without any significant issues. We tested some new aero parts in addition to tyre testing. It's obviously beneficial to have the testing time here in Monza the week before the grand prix and I'm really looking forward to racing here next week."
Takuma Sato: "We've had good weather for our two days in Monza this week and have completed most of the planned programme. A couple of small problems with the gearbox and engine caused some delay but the important work for the next two races is done and we have positive and valuable data. We have gathered good information for the race here next weekend, covering a lot of mileage, so overall it was a good test."
Anthony Davidson: "My day focused mainly on aerodynamic programmes for the upcoming Monza and Spa races to help the team make the most out of our track time here this week. The results were generally positive and it was good to be back in the car."
Adam Carroll: "It's been a good couple of days for me here, particularly today as I was able to cover a lot of mileage for the team - some 459 kms over 81 laps. This is the first time that I've driven the Monza circuit so it's been a very valuable experience to learn the track and also to get some preparation before the GP2 race here next weekend. I was a little frustrated at not being able to improve my lap time past a 01:22.416 but the time in the car has been invaluable."
Mark Ellis: "Monza is now the only high speed, low downforce circuit on the F1 calendar so our test this week has been highly specific to the race next weekend. Our testing has been aimed at optimising the chassis, aero and tyres to the demands of sustained high-speed running, at speeds of over 360kph. We have had a productive two days including proving the latest specification Honda engine, completing more than two race weekends mileage."
Shuhei Nakamoto: "We've got all the information we hoped for to set the engine up for next weekend's race, so we are ready to go. The problem we had today was on the next evolution, so we will work on a countermeasure before introducing it to racing action."
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