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Author

Zpeed

Categories

Honda F1, Testing, Jordan Specific, BAR Specific

Create Date

July 02, 2002 17:56

Last Update

July 09, 2002 18:09

Testing

BAR and Jordan have done some heavy testing last week, at Mugello (BAR) and Barcalona (Jordan). Both teams driving more than 1000KM's each (BAR even 1300). Honda was gathering data on the new Step2 engine. Development is still going on in a high tempo!
Up to now it's still unclear if the Step2 engine is going to be used in the home grandprix of BAR, Jordan and Honda. We hope to give you some info on this later on this week. The new engine is probably going to be used for the weekend, but that depends on results from the tests below. First the test releases by BAR:

Anthony and Patrick commenced the three-day programme on Wednesday where the focus was very much on preparation for the team's home Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend. B.A.R began their preparation for this race last month when they completed a Bridgestone tyre test at the circuit. Whilst the team know this track practically inside out, the revised BAR004 has yet to run on home asphalt. So, while most of the teams headed to Barcelona for this week's testing, B.A.R joined Ferrari in Mugello where the series of fast, flowing corners provide similar track characteristics to those at Silverstone.

On day one, an unexpected rain shower in the morning did not prevent Anthony and Patrick from carrying out a productive day's work. Anthony's aim for the day was to continue testing the latest evolution of the Honda engine. After carrying out set-up work in the morning, Anthony completed 81 trouble-free laps (approx. 420 km) and achieved a best lap time of 1.25.855. Patrick spent the day evaluating electronic systems and carrying out chassis development work. He completed 94 laps in total, posting a best lap time of 1.27.601, and the team were generally pleased with the progress made in those areas.

Jacques joined the programme on day2 but some mechanical and control system problems kept his car in the garage for the duration of the morning session. He was back in the car in the afternoon for a Bridgestone tyre test, brake evaluation and to put more mileage on the latest evolution of the Honda engine. He completed 38 laps and improved his time to a 1:25.629. Having picked up the reins of Patrick's programme, Anthony made steady progress throughout the day on Thursday, completing 67 laps and posting a best time of 1:26.228.

Jacques and Anthony continued the programme through Friday, with both drivers completing comprehensive tyre tests for Bridgestone. Jacques also carried out suspension and engine reliability work completing 71 laps with a best time of 1.25.082. Anthony spent time testing control systems, covering 83 laps in total with a best lap time of 1.25.234.

Commenting at the end of his running, Jacques Villeneuve said, " We had a trouble-free day today concentrating on engine mapping for the next Grand Prix. We were also carrying out development suspension work which was promising and seemed to suggest that we are making progress."

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