Button to miss Barcelona test
Honda’s Jenson Button will sit out this week’s Formula One test in Spain after damaging his ribs in a karting accident. Button had been due to join team mate Rubens Barrichello for the first session of the winter at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
Button recently sustained two hairline cracks to his ribs whilst participating in a karting test scheduled as part of his winter preparation. As a result, the team have decided to rest the British driver to ensure that the condition is not further aggravated.
Honda’s Barcelona programme will commence on Tuesday, with newly-appointed test and reserve Driver Christian Klien and test driver James Rossiter due to join Barrichello.
Running on Bridgestone tyres for the first time since their sole supply came into effect, Honda’s main focus will be the evaluation of the tyre characteristics as well as developing an in-depth understanding of how the RA106, last season’s race car, performs on the new tyres. In addition, the team will be running development items in preparation for the debut of their 2007 car early next year.
Following this week’s three-day test, Honda will be conducting a further six days of testing before the Christmas break - at Jerez from December 6-8 and 13-15.
