Valencia test throws up yet more engine woes

By Phil Huff (27/01/2005)
January 27 2005

Lucky Strike BAR Honda are continuing testing at Valencia and there's still problems, with Honda engines continuing to fail after worryingly short distances.

Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson were both in action earlier in the week, with both drivers now using the new 007 car after the arrival of a second chassis. Takuma made use of the new chassis on Tuesday, running through 85 productive laps, despite adverse windy conditions.

Anthony Davidson went out in the first 007 car, running a number of set up tests. 61 laps into the day and his engine threw up a few problems. A swift change later saw the youngster run another 16 laps, brining his total for the day to 77.

Davidson returned to action on Wednesday, running through a tyre evaluation programme as well as general chassis development work. His engine lasted the day, going through 101 laps in total.

Takuma Sato remained in action on Wednesday, running through some suspension development programmes, followed by a further chassis and tyre test. Again, his engine lasted the day, running to 112 laps in the Japanese drivers hands.

Jenson Button arrived this morning, taking over from Anthony. Jenson's day was relatively uneventful if not particularly fast, with the driver ending up ahead of only touring car racer Andy Priaulx in the timings.

Takuma Sato suffered yet another engine failure, long before the driver had completed the two race distances that the engines must manage this season.

Anthony Davidson returns to Valencia tomorrow, joining Jenson Button.