Klien Makes Honda Debut as Testing Continues

By Jamie Makin
December 3 2006

Eighteen drivers took to the track in Barcelona today as the first week of winter testing continued. Rubens Barrichello was once again at the wheel of chassis RA106-02.

He set the 7th fastest time of the day with a 1:17.920 during his 96 laps. That time still puts him over a second and a half behind the leading Ferrari of Felipe Massa.

Meanwhile, newly signed test driver Christian Klien made his debut for the team at the wheel of chassis RA106-06. He completed 79 laps to set the 11th fastest time of 1:18.383. It was a productive day and the young Austrian seemed satisfied with the results.

"It’s been a great first day as a Honda driver," said Klien. "After some initial familiarisation with the car I basically got straight down to work helping the team to start developing our partnership with Bridgestone and looking at how we can get the best out of the new tyres. I did quite a lot of running for my first day – 79 laps – and I worked well immediately with the team and engineers. It’s a very positive atmosphere and I think I have made a good contribution. I’m very happy and looking forward to more of the same tomorrow."

The team will wrap up the week's test tomorrow.