The Honda Racing F1 Team returned to the test track on Tuesday to begin their preparations for the 2007 F1 season as winter testing kicked off at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. The main focus of this week’s test is an intensive evaluation of the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Weather conditions were cold and overcast throughout the day with ambient and track temperatures reaching a maximum of 16ºC by lunchtime.

Regular racer Rubens Barrichello was joined by test driver James Rossiter for the start of the test and both drivers concentrated on initial tyre evaluations alongside a program of set-up changes. Rubens completed a total of 83 laps with James finishing the day on 86 laps.

Meanwhile, newly signed tester, Christian Klien, will have his first run in a Honda car today as he takes over from James.