Honda happy with first major KERS test

Alex Wurz concluded the final test of the 2008 season for the Honda team in Jerez yesterday. After two days of testing in the RA108, Wurz spent the final day driving the car with the team's KERS development system in place. He completed 51 laps, evaluating the KERS system at various levels and gathering valuable data.

"It was good to spend three days in the car this week and we were able to achieve a great deal of beneficial work," said Wurz. For the first two days in the RA108, we concentrated on aerodynamic and set-up evaluations, and the car performed quite well on the new track surface in Jerez. Today we ran our KERS system which was a very interesting and promising experience. Every time that we run with KERS, we learn more and start to fully understand its possibilities. It's such an interesting challenge and one that we look forward to developing further over the next few tests."

Team boss Ross Brawn added, "We have had a good test this week achieving some positive results which will assist our efforts both this season and looking ahead to 2009. Along with aerodynamic and set-up work with the RA108, we completed an engine settings evaluation which should have benefits for the remaining four races.

"The test was also a critical stage in our development of KERS. Although installed in a 'mule' car, the KERS system was fully functioning and very close to 2009 specification. Alex was able to give an invaluable input into the track behavior of our KERS system and highlight several areas we need to focus on. A very valuable test and I am extremely pleased with the performance and the progress we have made with the system."