Willis: late launches will pay off

Toyota surprised their opposition by getting their 2006 car onto the track this week, with most other outfits still running either their 2005 cars or a hybrid version fitted with new V8 engines.

But Willis believes that the switch to smaller power-units next year will lead to dramatic aerodynamic differences to cars - and means more benefit will be had by working as long as possible to find improvements in the wind-tunnel.

"I think 60 percent of our new car is in the one we are testing (the hybrid)," he said. "That includes gearbox, hydraulics, electronics and rear suspension. And I think it is likely we will get more out of the car from the wind tunnel.

"It is preferable to launch on a later date."

Honda Racing are using this week's Barcelona test to run comparisons between their 2005 car and their hybrid version, in a bid to try and get a good benchmark on the improvements they have made so far.

"We have made good progress from the test and we can integrate that into our new car," added Willis. "It is a good step ahead in the aero and mechanical department, but we will not see the complete return of 2004 (levels of speed).

"There is in effect a levelling of the aero regulations but this engine change is a big one, the biggest in many years, and eventually we will get it right."

The early indication from testing of the V8 cars is also that the new generation of machines may favour different driving styles.

Willis added: "It seems this V8 car seems to favour smooth driving and driver input is more important. Sensitive driver input will be very helpful."