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Monza Test: We have not achieved a perfect set-up
By Phil Huff September 1 2008
The Honda Racing F1 Team conducted a three-day test at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza circuit in Italy last week, along with the rest of the Formula One grid, to prepare for the forthcoming Belgian and Italian Grands Prix. Both Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button were present, splitting the work load.

Rubens Barrichello began the programme on Wednesday, focussing on an evaluation of the downforce levels and set-up required for the races at Spa Francorchamps and Monza, alongside a tyre programme with the Bridgestone Potenza medium and hard compounds.

Barrichello and Jenson Button shared duties on Thursday, with the Brazilian beginning the session with a race start simulation exercise before focusing on aerodynamic and tyre evaluations for the Italian Grand Prix.

Jenson took over the car for the afternoon session and continued the aero programme with an evaluation of the different downforce options available for the Monza race weekend.

Jenson's programme for the final day included a suspension evaluation, along with further aerodynamic and set-up work for the forthcoming Belgian and Italian races. Jenson also continued the evaluation of the medium and hard Bridgestone tyre compounds which will be used for these races.

Jenson ButtonJenson Button
Race Driver #16
Honda Racing F1

"This week's test has been useful in developing our direction for the next two races. We have worked on finalising the downforce packages required for Spa and Monza along with an initial study of the tyre compounds. Although we have made some progress, the balance of the car is not where I would like it to be, particularly for Monza, and we need to analyse the data carefully to make improvements before the race weekend."

Rubens BarrichelloRubens Barrichello
Race Driver #17
Honda Racing F1

"We focused on evaluating the aero set-ups required for Spa and Monza this week and were able to achieve a good balance although there is further progress to be made on performance. We also ran the two Bridgestone tyres which will be used for those races, along with developments to our braking system which proved to be positive."

Ross BrawnRoss Brawn
Team Principal
Honda Racing F1

"Both drivers had their work split this week between preparation for the next race in Spa and the subsequent race at Monza. Monza is a unique circuit with very high speed and low downforce characteristics which gives the driver difficulties in the big braking areas and with traction out of the slow corners. Our drivers suffered all the classic problems that we habitually experience at Monza, and without traction control, engine driveability adds another dimension to the challenge. We have not achieved a perfect set-up and balance this week and have further work to do in analysing the data before we return for the race in two weeks time."

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