Lucky Strike Bďż˝Aďż˝R Honda were in Valencia this week for a four-day test programme which saw two 007 cars running together for the first time. Takuma drove for all four days of the test in the brand new chassis 007-02, supported by Jenson and Anthony alternating the driving responsibilities in chassis 007-01. Although the extreme weather conditions made comparison of data difficult, it was an intensive test for the team as preparations continue for the new season.

Anthony and Takuma shared the driving on the first day as Takuma had his first serious run in the 2005 car. He ran through general set-up work in the new chassis and although the windy conditions made it difficult to run consistent lap times, he supplied useful reliability data, completing 85 laps. Anthony also completed early set-up work before running through chassis handling tests to complete 77 laps for the day. His afternoon running was briefly interrupted with an engine failure.

On Wednesday, again in blustery and cold conditions, Anthony ran through long run tyre evaluations alongside chassis development work, completing 101 laps for the day. Takuma's morning programme was to evaluate suspension changes before moving onto a chassis and systems evaluation in the afternoon, completing 112 laps.

The weather turned even colder for the third day, although the strong winds calmed down. Jenson joined the test taking over from Anthony for the day. He did a couple of short runs to find a good balance before moving onto a chassis and tyre development programme, completing 69 laps. Takuma's running was delayed as he had an engine failure early in the morning session. He went out to continue his chassis and gearbox development work, followed by long run tyre evaluations, to complete 84 laps.

With an ambient temperature of -3ďż˝C, both drivers did not venture onto the circuit until after 10.00am on the final morning of the test. Once on track, Takuma completed 46 laps running through a tyre evaluation alongside various set-up changes. He completed two long tyre runs in the afternoon covering a total of 102 laps and setting the third fastest time - a 01:10.803. Anthony also ran through a tyre evaluation completing longer runs. He had a further engine failure in the afternoon which caused an early end to his running and he completed a total of 93 laps today.

Summary

Summary of Testing		Jenson Button	Takuma Sato	Anthony Davidson
25 January	Number of Laps	N/A	85	77
25 January	Fastest Time		1:11.844	1:12.668
26 January	Number of Laps	N/A	112	101
26 January	Fastest Time		1:12.604	1:11.953
27 January	Number of Laps	69	84	N/A
27 January	Fastest Time	1:11.561	1:11.148
28 January	Number of Laps	N/A	102	93
28 January	Fastest Time		1:10.803	1:10.841