Formula One news

Honda satisfied with test progress

Honda began its on-track preparations for the 2008 Formula One season at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona this week. The three-day test saw the team's 2007 car, the RA107, running without traction control as the new standardised electronics system is evaluated for the first time.

Jenson Button joined the team in Barcelona on Wednesday and took over the testing programme in the RA107 for his first experience of the car with the 2008 electronics. He spent the early laps finding a good balance before continuing the team's evaluation of the new system. Jenson also completed a number of race starts and ended the day with 79 laps.

"After a couple of hard weeks of physical training, it was a pleasure to be back driving again this week and starting our on-track preparations for the new season," said Button. "This was the first time that I've driven the car with the new electronics system and it is a great feeling that you are properly in control of the car without having driver aids such as traction control. This suits my driving style so I am pretty happy with the changes to the regulations. Our focus this week was on putting mileage on the new electronics system, addressing any issues caused by its introduction and working out the optimum set-up on the car. It was a good two days and we were able to run reliably which is pleasing."

Chief engineer Steve Clark added, "The 2008 electronics are a completely new system for the team, as they are for all of the teams. The engine, gearbox and chassis have performed reliably from the very first run of the week and  this smooth transition is a reflection of the excellent preparation made by the team in advance of the test. We were quickly able to start tuning the new system to improve driveability for the 2008 regulations. This work will continue at the next test in Jerez and will give us a solid start to preparations for the new season when the RA108 takes to the track in January."

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