Honda unveil new nose cone winglets
5/3/2007 8:42:45 AM
Honda Racing are the latest to debut a radically new aerodynamic design on their car at this week's test in Barcelona, Spain.
Following on the heels of McLaren's nose-spanning front wing, the RA107 driven by Christian Klien on Thursday sported a pair of winglets protruding from the front nose.
However, after setting the slowest time of the day in less than ideal conditions, it's believed the team will not move forward with the aerodyamic change as it did very little to improve their current woes with the car.
"The main purpose of our test programme this week was to evaluate different aerodynamic configurations which have been developed in order to improve the braking stability of the car," said engineering director Jacky Eeckelaert. "The braking is definitely better now and the lap times have improved and become more consistent, but there is still a long way to go to bring the team back into contention."
Honda have been working feverishly to correct the handling problems experienced by the new car since the start of the season. It's believed the team are currently working round the clock on an entirely new car which could debut in time for the Canadian Grand Prix next month.
As for the rest of the day, David Coulthard and Red Bull Racing turned some heads by posting a new track record with a time of 1:21.066. The quick lap came during a qualifying simulation, which means the RB3 was running on light fuel and just before a heavy downpour hit the circuit, meaning it was unlikely anyone else was going to eclipse his mark.
McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa was 2-10ths back as he continued to test the team's new front wing, which could make its debut in two weeks time at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Felipe Massa finished with the third fastest time despite a mechanical failure which interrupted his running in the morning. Ferrari finished the week having set the fastest time on three of the four days.
Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella was fourth quickest with Robert Kubica rounding out the top five.
Ralf Schumacher was the only other driver on the track for Toyota, finishing sixth fastest.