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Honda F1 Power
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Jordan Honda EJ11 launch
The media launch of the Jordan Honda EJ11 on Tuesday (16 January) signaled
the official start of the exciting new partnership between Honda and Jordan Grand Prix. At the launch, attended by the world's media at the
team's Silverstone headquarters, Eddie Jordan cited the arrival of 'works'
Honda power as a crucial element as his team aims to bounce back from a
disappointing season in 2000.
"A year ago I would not have believed it if I was told that we would get
the opportunity to have a deal like we have with Honda," said Eddie Jordan. "I believe that with Honda on board with us, we have the key
elements in place to go all the way, so if we blow this we can't blame
anyone but ourselves. This is the realization of the dream and represents
a total commitment on our part to winning the world championship."
Jordan Honda braves the cold at Silverstone
Following the launch, the new Jordan Honda EJ11 made the short journey
across the road to Silverstone circuit for a single-team test. With temperatures only just above freezing, some parts of the circuit remained
frosty throughout the week and Friday's activity was cancelled because of
snow. Test driver Ricardo Zonta and regular pilot Heinz-Harald Frentzen
shared the duties on Wednesday and Thursday, with the German getting his
first impressions of the new EJ11, complete with Jordan's first 'works'
Honda engine.
Mixed fortune for BAR Honda in Jerez
BAR Honda experienced mixed fortunes in southern Spain this week, where
the team was running both 2000 and 2001 specification cars. Newly appointed test driver Takuma Sato underlined his potential, setting an
impressive time in the old car that was beaten only by new team driver
Olivier Panis. Jacques Villeneuve took over the new BAR Honda 003 for the
last two days, but an accident on the final afternoon brought his test to
an end and caused significant damage to the chassis. However, the Honda
engineers reported no engine problems and the new RA001E unit made a
favorable initial impression.
"This week we have completed the first tests of the new RA001E engine in
both BAR and Jordan cars," says Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Technical Director of
Honda Racing Development. "We have undertaken the engine mapping and
systems evaluation work necessary with a new engine. We have completed a
good mileage this week and we are pleased that we have had no problems."
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