Honda complete first test for 2013 at Valencia

Honda Racing Team JAS have completed a successful 800km test at Valencia ahead of their first full season in the WTCC. The Italian-based team had drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro on hand to test various improvements to the Honda Civic Super 2000 TC.

The car returned from Asia just earlier this month, and the team have fitted new suspension and shock absorber components, as well as an upgraded engine into the development car which was used at the last three rounds of 2012, picking up a podium in the first race at Macau.

“This was a hectic test and it was very intense. We have had no problems, which allowed us to do a lot of laps,” said Tiago Monteiro.

“We’re testing the car in extreme conditions. We underwent several tests of the electronics, engine, brakes etc. In our next test, we will concentrate on some very specific areas. The intention is to find a good baseline to help us adapt to various conditions and situations that we will encounter this year.”

“These tests are essential for the evolution of the car and I think that the work we have done in recent days has been very productive. Day after day, we feel a little better driving the Honda Civic.”

The team will launch their programme in Japan later this month, before resuming testing on 11th February at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain.