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Honda F1 Power
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No problems on first run of 2001 engine; Sato confirmed as BAR Honda
tester
Honda's preparations
for the 2001 Formula 1 season began in earnest this week with the first
running of the new RA001E engine. BAR Honda's new recruit Olivier Panis
was at the wheel of the BAR Honda 003 at Silverstone on Wednesday (10
January) and the Frenchman completed 37 laps of the Northamptonshire Grand
Prix circuit.
"We enjoyed a very
good test at Silverstone," says Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Technical Director
of Honda Racing Development. "The engine went into the new chassis very
easily and we were able to complete a comprehensive systems check in advance
of next week's test in Jerez. Although it was only a shakedown, it was
nevertheless an encouraging start to the new season."
Takuma Sato joins
BAR Honda
Japanese sensation Takuma Sato became the latest addition to the BAR Honda
stable on Monday, when the 23-year-old was confirmed in a driver development
role with the Brackley-based team.
Sato earned rave reviews
last year, finishing runner-up in his maiden season in British Formula
3 and he will remain with the Mugen-Honda-powered Carlin Motorsport in
the ultra-competitive F3 series for the coming season. As he targets the
prestigious F3 title in 2001, Sato will enjoy being part of the F1 team,
preparing for what promises to be a bright future.
"For me, my main priority
in 2001 is to concentrate on my second year in British F3. If I get a
chance to drive an F1 car again that will be very welcome, but it was
a great experience to get in the car during the winter."
Next week - Jordan
Honda launch
Jordan Honda launches its 2001 challenger on Tuesday 16 January, the first
car from Eddie Jordan's team to be powered by 'works' Honda engines. The
EJ11 is due to be shaken down at Silverstone tomorrow (Saturday) officially
signaling the start of the new Jordan/Honda relationship. Photography
of the launch of the new Jordan Honda EJ11 and of drivers Heinz-Harald
Frentzen and Jarno Trulli will be available on this website.
BAR Honda testing
in Jerez
BAR Honda will begin a four-day test at Jerez, southern Spain, on Sunday.
The two-car test will feature a new BAR Honda 003 chassis as well a 2000
spec car. Race drivers Olivier Panis and Jacques Villeneuve are expected
to share the driving duties with regular testers Darren Manning and Patrick
Lemarie.
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