Following a productive test at the Autodromo Nationale Monza last week where Bďż˝Aďż˝R Honda completed an intensive two-day programme, the team commenced their Italian Grand Prix challenge today.

During the morning's free practice session Takuma completed a total of 13 laps whilst working through his usual tyre evaluation programme and finished in 7th position. Jenson completed his installation laps, but as the dusty track conditions failed to improve throughout the morning session, the team decided to defer the rest of his running until the afternoon.

Both Jenson and Takuma completed their afternoon programmes without any issues, however the team will be working hard overnight to find a way of improving their overall pace.

TAKUMA SATO

Free Practice 1 Position: 7th Fastest lap time: 1:22.577
Free Practice 2 Position: 17th Fastest lap time: 1:23.223

"Today went smoothly and we completed all of our planned programme. The track conditions weren't much different from testing here last week and the car balance is good. We concentrated on tyre evaluation this afternoon rather than outright performance, but it seems that we will still have some work to do before tomorrow to move further up the field in terms of pace. Generally we have made a good start and we look forward to improving through the rest of the weekend."

JENSON BUTTON

Free Practice 1 Position: 19th Fastest lap time: No timed lap
Free Practice 2 Position: 18th Fastest lap time: 1:23.415

"We did a lot of our groundwork in testing here last week so our focus today was working through our usual Friday programme, which ran according to plan. We clearly still have some work ahead of us tonight and tomorrow morning to see how we can improve our pace, so we will see what free practice in the morning brings before making any predictions."

GIL DE FERRAN, SPORTING DIRECTOR
"Today, as normal, we went through the tyre evaluation procedure and collected some good data. Although it is difficult to figure out how fast the other teams are on Fridays, the timesheets clearly indicate that our lap times need improving. Both drivers are quite unhappy with the handling of their cars' so we will collect our thoughts overnight and hopefully come up with a plan to improve tomorrow."

SHUHEI NAKAMOTO, ENGINEERING DIRECTOR, HONDA RACING DEVELOPMENT
"The day has been pretty much standard for a Friday. The engine has gone well and this spec has allowed us to do a few more laps than our rivals which will give us plenty of data to study tonight."

2005 Italian Grand Prix - Main Page
2005 Italian Grand Prix - Team and Driver Friday Practice Reports Page

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