There is now a four-week break in the Formula One calendar, during which time the Honda Racing F1 Team will work flat-out to improve the performance of the RA107. The team will conduct an intensive test session at Barcelona in 10 days time, prior to the Spanish Grand Prix at the same track on 13 May.
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
P13 | Fastest Lap 01:35.842
“Well I finished the race at least but that s very little consolation. The track conditions were so blustery and the car driveability was terrible, so it was a really tough race, especially knowing that we couldn t be competitive. Now we have to put a disappointing few races behind us and look to what we can do to improve the car. There is a great deal of hard work ahead of us but we will get there, I m sure. ”
JENSON BUTTON
DNF | Fastest Lap N/A
“I got a good start and made up at least three places then at turn 2 Taku (Sato) ran wide, tried to squeeze me and I had nowhere to go so I had to go on the dirt on the inside. Then in turn 3 I had Coulthard and someone else fighting around me. DC went wide then cut back sharp and again I had nowhere to go. We touched and that spun me round then the anti-stall didn t cut in, I stalled and that was the end of my race after just three corners. The track conditions out there were very slippery and windy so it will have been a tough race for everyone. Sadly, I wasn t part of it. ”
JACKY EECKELAERT, Engineering Director
“Unfortunately we had realistic expectations heading into this race and our performance today has only served to underline the problems that we have with our current package. Whilst Jenson did not even get the chance to complete a lap due to a third corner incident, Rubens did a valiant job of fighting to the finish with what was clearly a very difficult car to drive. All we can do now is put these first races behind us and return to base, where every bit of our focus, resource and effort is being directed towards turning our situation around. ”
