Formula One news

Honda simulated Bahrain-sand on dynos

Geoff Willis

Formula One teams cannot simulate sandy conditions on the test-benches right? Not so, according to the technical director of Honda's F1 team BAR. 'Honda sent some guys [to Bahrain] a few months ago,' said Geoff Willis.

The Briton said they collected various samples of the desert sands from all four corners of the $150 million facility set to stage the Bahrain GP this Sunday. 'With the samples,' he said, 'we did our tests on the dynos.'

It gave Honda insight into what engine filters to use here, for example. Willis added: 'The first worry is what damage the sand can do to the engine. Second are tyres. I guess we're just going to have to wait and see.'

Willis also said Honda found a solution to the recent V10 engine-failures.

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