Trapped nerve stops Barrichello.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello was forced to abandon testing earlier than expected on Friday, during the third and final day of the teams test at the Circuit de Catalunya, after trapping a nerve in his shoulder.

Despite that though, the Brazilian was happy with his programme this week, which focused on chassis set-up, aerodynamics and tyre testing. Indeed he completed 106 laps on day one, before adding 133 tours on day two and 54 on Friday, despite having to miss the afternoon session, when test driver, Anthony Davidson was drafted in to fill the void.

Rubens Barrichello
Rubens Barrichello
© XPB.CC

Honda's Rubens Barrichello was forced to abandon testing earlier than expected on Friday, during the third and final day of the teams test at the Circuit de Catalunya, after trapping a nerve in his shoulder.

Despite that though, the Brazilian was happy with his programme this week, which focused on chassis set-up, aerodynamics and tyre testing. Indeed he completed 106 laps on day one, before adding 133 tours on day two and 54 on Friday, despite having to miss the afternoon session, when test driver, Anthony Davidson was drafted in to fill the void.

"I really enjoyed my time in the car this week and we have made some good progress, I feel more comfortable and am getting more used to the car," reflected the former Ferrari driver. "We also made a step forward with the traction control, although there is still work to be done in this area. The only misfortune is that I have pulled a slight nerve in my shoulder so I stopped running at lunchtime today to get it checked out. Overall it's been another positive week."

Barrichello's focus now switches to the San Marino GP next weekend at Imola and after scoring his first points for the Brackley based squad in Melbourne, when he finished seventh overall, he is eager to score more points. The track itself though has mixed memories for him and while he has finished on the podium there several times, he had a big accident there in 1994, the same weekend that claimed the life of his friend and mentor Ayrton Senna.

"The Imola circuit is a good one for the drivers. I really like the layout and the challenge of setting up the car which is not easy. Imola has had its ups and downs for me; I have had a lot of support from the fans there in the past but there are also some very sad memories. Our difficulties during the last race in Australia have made us work even harder in testing over the last couple of weeks and there is a good feeling that we have made some solid progress. The whole team feels positive about next weekend and I share those feelings so we're hoping for a competitive race," he concluded.

Read More