ITALIAN DELIVERY
27 April 2004 - Anthony Davidson

Anthony’s Lucky Strike BAR-Honda topped the timesheets in Mugello this week, where the team has been testing alongside Ferrari and Minardi

With Jenson Button returning to the podium last week, BAR-Honda continued with its intensive testing programme, as they prepared for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona next weekend.

During the past couple of days the team has notched up an amazing total of 532 laps, some 2,782 kms, with Anthony covering 165 of those laps, at what is recognised as the toughest and most physically demanding circuit on this year''s test schedule. The team concentrated on the evaluation of further aerodynamic upgrades for the Spanish Grand Prix, as well as various tyre programmes and the introduction of the latest specification engines from Honda. Anthony Davidson worked through a split programme, using both a 007 chassis, and a prototype chassis to evaluate developments for the 2006 regulations.

Anthony drove on Wednesday, with both drivers spending their early laps acclimatising to the cars and the circuit. He ran through a tyre programme looking at future developments and compound options for Barcelona, covering that very impressive 165 laps. He completed a record test distance for the team over one day and also set the fastest time of the day, at 1:20.652s, 2/100ths ahead of Takuma Sato, and ahead of both the Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher.

''I had a very positive test this week,” was the way Anthony described his hard work in Mugello. “We completed the test programme successfully on my car, running through a tyre evaluation on the prime tyres for Barcelona, and a construction programme for Michelin. I covered 866 kms, which is a record distance for any BAR Honda driver on one test day. Mugello is also one of the most physically demanding circuits out there and certainly the toughest test track that we go to so, I''m really pleased with this achievement. I''ve been working hard on my fitness to build up to this test and the training really paid off in being able to complete the distances required by the team.''

Mark Ellis, Chief Test Engineer, said that: ''This week has seen another impressive test for BAR-Honda. The whole team has been outstanding in working together to produce further positive upgrades ahead of next week''s Barcelona Grand Prix. With the tough nature of the circuit here in Mugello, we have used all four drivers to ensure optimum use of our track time. Due to the nature of our development programme this week and in total respect of our testing agreement with the other eight teams, both Anthony yesterday, and Enrique (Bernoldi) today, had to combine work in two different chassis, which is a credit to them both. Anthony in particular impressed everyone with his fantastic effort yesterday. We are all very much looking forward to next week''s race, where we expect to be even more competitive than in Imola.''

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