Honda says that it is encouraged by its performance in this week's two-day IndyCar test at Barber, despite rival Chevrolet claiming the fastest time.
The Japanese manufacturer ended the test with the third-fastest lap overall courtesy of Justin Wilson (LEFT), but HPD technical director Roger Griffiths said that Honda approached the outing mindful of the fact that the same engines need to be used for next weekend's season opener at St. Petersburg.
"We're pretty pleased with the way the last two days of testing have gone for us," he said. "We took a conservative approach to this test, as these are the same engines that will be used for St. Petersburg and the other early season races. Our focus was to get everyone ready for the start of the season."
IndyCar teams are restricted to five engines per full-time entry for the season.