By Phil Huff
February 12 2006

Honda Racing F1 have arrived at Bahrain, ready to test against Ferrari and Scuderia Toro Rosso, but Jenson Button is amazed that no more teams have taken the opportunity to test there. "The cars have already arrived and are in the BIC [Bahrain International Circuit] garages, and the drivers are on the way," general manager Martin Whitaker told the Gulf Daily News. "So, I guess, we are all set to witness some top test racing."

As revealed here at RealHondaF1.com last week, the test will run until 21 February. Honda Racing F1 will start testing tomorrow morning with Rubens Barrichello, Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson all attending throughout the week.

Jenson Button is unsure why so few teams are testing, as the season opening race takes place at the same circuit in just 28 days time. Running the new car, and the Michelin tyres, in the unique environment at Bahrain will offer a significant advantage.

"It is going to be an important test and I don't get why not many teams are going," Button told autosport.com. "But with Ferrari there, they will at least definitely be a good reference point for us."

A special day for the fans takes place on Thursday, when the circuit open the gates to the public for a token fee of BD1 (£1.50, $2.65), allowing the Bahraini race fans to see the cars at close quarters for a tiny proportion of the race day ticket price.