Good tests in Jerez according to Button!

Jenson Button stated that the tests in Jerez this week went well for the Honda team.

The Japanese team needs to make spectacular progress over the winter to be able to hope to bounce back in 2008. Indeed, Honda experienced a lamentable year in 2007, finishing in 8th position in the constructors’ championship with only 6 points scored.

Button, who started these tests in Jerez, spent his Tuesday working on electronic development since traction control is disappearing in 2008. He finally drove with slick tires to allow Bridgestone to collect data.

« The tests in Jerez went well, » confirmed the Englishman, who completed 70 laps and finished with the second-best time of the first day.

« I continued our work started in Barcelona last month. We focused on evaluating the new electronic system, which is mandatory for all teams next year. »

« There is therefore no more anti-skid, which means no traction control and no engine braking, and I really appreciated it. You must not be harsh and should be quite progressive, which suits my driving style, » he stated.

« I also had the opportunity to run on slick tires and it was a lot of fun. It was a first for me because I have never driven with this type of tires with an F1 car and I really enjoyed it. Clearly, the downforce levels in 2009 will be different. »

Barrichello, who participated in these tests on Wednesday and Thursday, also stated that things went very well. The Brazilian completed 103 laps on Wednesday and 89 laps on Thursday.

« It was very enjoyable to be back in the car this week for the first tests since the last race of the season in Brazil. »

« I had two good days of testing without traction control and it was important because next year it will be banned, » concluded Barrichello.