Honda plans new engine for Suzuka

As BAR was testing in Barcelona this week, Honda gave it's final V10 engine upgrade its first trials. Honda plans to introduce the new engine in time for its home race at the Suzuka circuit in 3 weeks time.

As the only team testing in Barcelona, BAR Honda were able to take full advantage of the three days to run aerodynamic development parts designed to further improve the car's performance. Tyre evaluations for the forthcoming races and of course the running of the lateste specification of engine from Honda. The team also used the opportunity to run a development car for 2006 electronic systems.

Honda's Engineering Director,Shuhei Nakamoto "A productive test, including a problem-free first run of our final spec V10 engine, which will be introduced at Suzuka."

BAR's Chief Test Engineer, Mark Ellis "We have made the most of the excellent testing conditions here in Barcelona to prepare for the final three races this year. We have been extremely encouraged by the results this week for both chassis and engine developments."

The drivers review the testing days at Barcelona.
Jenson Button "It's been an intensive couple of days in Barcelona this week. We completed a lot of laps and have done some good work in preparation for the last three races. I've mainly focused on aero evaluations and we've also been running the latest Honda engine. Results from the test have been positive and we are looking forward to Brazil."

Takuma Sato "I worked mainly on tyres and some aerodynamic evaluations. Both programmes worked really well and we found some positive results. We are now back to higher downforce aero for the last three races and Barcelona has been a good track to assess our development parts. The weather was a little bit damp in early testing but mostly it has been good and consistent. Overall I feel positive about the results of this test."

Enrique Bernoldi "My test was good on Tuesday and it was nice to be back in the car after almost two months. The morning was good as I completed 81 laps and worked through some good aero assessments, but in the afternoon the rain prevented me from finishing my tyre programme. The testing was interesting and we found some good information for the set-up of the car."

Adam Carroll "It's been a good week for me and this is the first time I've driven a F1 car at Barcelona, which is one of the toughest tracks. I've had the chance to drive one of the test cars and also the development car for next year. This afternoon I've been in the development car and completed a 15 timed-lap run, which is really tough, particularly on the neck, and more physically demanding than the whole GP2 race we had here."

James Rossiter "I drove the 2006 development car this week which has been a good opportunity to acclimatise myself to F1 and also to improve myself as a driver. I've learnt a lot over the last two days and improved my lap times considerably. It's the first time that I've driven at the Circuit de Catalunya and I enjoyed the track, which is good fun to drive. I'd like to thank the B.A.R Honda team for giving me this opportunity of my first official test and showing their faith in me through the Young Driver Programme."