Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda today completed a productive 3-day test in Valencia, Spain, with race drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Jenson Button.

Jenson was at the wheel of the B.A.R Honda 005-01 for days 1 and 2 of the programme, the focus of which has been set-up work, aerodynamic analysis and tyre testing. Weather conditions were wet and cloudy as he joined the track on Wednesday and worked his way through the Bridgestone compounds in his first comprehensive tyre test this year. Jenson benefited from improved grip as a result of the team's latest aerodynamic developments and he was able to maximise running during the morning session. The afternoon programme was frustrated by numerous red flags together with a gearbox-related mechanical problem but the day was productive nonetheless. Jenson completed 59 laps and achieved a best lap of 1:12.563 whilst the team collected some useful data from the new aero updates.

On day 2, Jenson enjoyed a solid morning's running and completed 67 laps as he continued with the team's tyre programme. The rest of the day was less productive after problems with the telemetry and gearbox confined the car to the garage for most of the afternoon. Jenson completed 80 laps in total and achieved a best lap time of 1:11.979.

Jacques Villeneuve took over the reins today to provide his input into the tyre programme coupled with a brake development test and engine programme for Honda. He enjoyed a productive session and completed 74 laps (300km) before a transmission problem curtailed his running at the end of the day. His best time of the day was 1:11.323.

Commenting at the end of his two days of testing, Jenson Button said: "It's been a very good test for me and I've been able to get down to some serious tyre work. Reliability is improving all the time so I was able to maximise my running time, which is increasingly important as we head towards the first race. Every lap counts for the next couple of tests so I look forward to continuing the work in Barcelona next week."

Jacques Villeneuve added: "We had a good test today. Our work concentrated mainly on testing the tyres which we will use for the Australian Grand Prix. The car is quick and I was able to get quite a few good laps in. I tested the new rear wing for the first time today. We had it at our last test in Barcelona but I didn't have the chance to try it then. It seems to be competitive. Unfortunately we still have too many mechanical problems though. I have also been working with the HANS device today, which is a little bit difficult but we've got to get on with using it!"

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director for Honda Racing Development, commented: "We had a transmission problem on our last long run today but I'm fairly happy with this week's testing. We have done a number of long runs and our reliability is improving. We still have a lot to do but we have made progress and are looking forward to Melbourne."