Formula 1 News

Jerez tests: Honda debut updated RA107 single seater 

Honda F1 rolled out a heavily revised version of its RA107 single seater this morning as the pre-Japanese Grand Prix test at Jerez kicked off. Rubens Barrichello was at the wheel of the car, which has been nicknamed the ‘Fuji Special’ in deference to Honda’s raised hopes about a better performance for its home race in two weeks.

With the older model, the Brackley-based team endured a dismal showing at Spa-Francorchamps, with both Barrichello and his British teammate Jenson Button bemoaning bad handling. “Now we have to look forward. In Jerez we are testing the car in a different configuration, hopefully a better one so we can make some progress in the remaining three races,” said Barrichello.

Onlookers at Jerez report that the new car features a visibly overhauled bodywork package, including a version of the McLaren and Williams-like ‘bridge’ element swooping over its front nose. Button, who will try the new car in southern Spain on Wednesday, said before departing Belgium last Sunday: “We head to Jerez next week with new developments for our home race in Japan and let’s hope for better things in Fuji.”

Every team except Spyker will run during the 3 day Jerez test this week. Ferrari (Luca Badoer), McLaren (Pedro de la Rosa), BMW-Sauber (Timo Glock), Toyota (Franck Montagny), Red Bull (Sebastien Buemi) and Williams (Kazuki Nakajima) are using test drivers, while Toro Rosso opened the session with Vitantonio Liuzzi at the wheel.