POSITIVE 3-DAY TEST CONCLUDED AT MONZA


Boosted by their points-scoring success at the British Grand Prix last weekend, Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda were in Monza this week for a three-day test in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix later this year. The team also took the opportunity to run through some minor aero items for next weekend's French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.

The driver line-up for this test was Olivier Panis, Anthony Davidson and Patrick Lemarie and it was Anthony and Patrick who commenced the programme on Wednesday (10 July), with Anthony working on an aerodynamic set-up for this low-downforce circuit and running through a programme of suspension testing. He completed 62 laps in total and posted the third fastest lap time of the day - a 1:25.561. Patrick spent the morning setting up the car and then continued with electronic software development testing. In a trouble-free day's running he completed 72 laps and achieved a best time of 1:27.149.

Patrick headed home at the end of day one, making way for Olivier Panis' two-day programme alongside Anthony Davidson. Anthony picked up the reins of Patrick's electronic software development work and also completed a gearbox evaluation and some aerodynamic testing. He completed 53 laps with a best lap time of 1:25.256. Olivier's morning was cut short by a gearbox problem but he was back on track in the afternoon working through a successful Bridgestone tyre test and brake evaluation programme. He achieved 53 laps and the second best lap time of the day - a 1:24.665.

Olivier and Anthony were back in their respective BAR004s for the final day of testing today. Both completed comprehensive tyre tests for Bridgestone and carried out aerodynamic set-up work for Magny Cours and Monza. Olivier completed 61 laps in total and achieved a best time of 1:24.030.

Olivier commented: "Everyone was in good spirits for this test after our result at Silverstone last weekend but there is still a lot to be done so we have to remain focused. We have had a productive test despite the gearbox-related problems we encountered yesterday. We have mainly been working on set-up for the Italian Grand Prix in September but thinking also in terms of the race at Magny Cours. Obviously as a French driver I know the track well and, although it can be difficult to find a good set-up there, I hope we can once again get ourselves into a position where we can make the most of any opportunities."

Anthony's best lap time today was 1:24.610 after 79 laps. He was happy with the progress made, commenting: "We did some good tyre work today and I feel that we have made some improvements since our last test at Mugello. My lap times have been quite close to Olivier's this week so obviously I am pleased."

The test team now take advantage of the seven-week break until testing resumes in September. Reflecting on the season so far, Test Team Manager Andrew Alsworth said: "The guys have worked really hard this year and we have made good steady progress with the car. I'd like to thank them for their efforts and I hope they enjoy a well-earned rest."