By Honda Racing F1
May 25 2006

The Honda Racing F1 Team heads to the tiny principality of Monaco this weekend for one of the most traditional and exciting events on the F1 calendar. The Monaco Grand Prix, round seven of the 2006 FIA World Championship, is the one race which all drivers want to win at some time in their careers. The narrow, twisty and bumpy street circuit presents a unique challenge, with a good qualifying position being crucial as over-taking is extremely difficult and the armco-lined streets leave no margin for error.

Monaco is a home Grand Prix for the team’s race drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, both of whom live in Monte Carlo. It is also a race where both drivers have done particularly well in the past, with Rubens finishing on the podium at Monaco four times during his career and Jenson securing an excellent second position in 2004.

Following a two-car points finish at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, the team has been hard at work on the test track in Vallelunga this week to fine-tune the set-up of the RA106 race car and its Michelin tyres for the Monaco race.

Gil de Ferran
Sporting Director
Honda Racing F1

"Monaco is unique in many ways and it certainly has a special place in F1 history. For the teams, cars and drivers, it also represents a tough challenge. The nature of the tight and twisty circuit emphasises different performance areas on the car than at other tracks. In preparation for the event, we tested a configuration of the Vallelunga circuit that most closely replicated the layout that we will encounter next weekend. During the test, we evaluated aerodynamic, mechanical and tyre specifications specially designed for the streets of Monaco. All the preparation is done - our drivers enjoy the track - let the weekend begin!"

Shuhei Nakamoto
Engineering Director
Honda Racing Development

"Monaco presents its own special challenges for the engine, and we have been working hard on improving its performance. We had a positive test around a specially-adapted circuit at Vallelunga, so we are feeling positive for this special weekend in the calendar."