2006 testing came to a close with Red Bull running their RB2 for the last time. The RB2 behaved itself over testing and allowed Liuzzi and Ammaermueller to run through their planned tests which were mainly based on evaluating the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres. They also ran some tests to help develop the suspension geometry and gearbox for the new car.
Meanwhile, their sister team Toro Rosso ran the last Cosworth engine left. Guest tester Sebastien Bourdais managed the fastest time of the STR1 drivers, even though it has been four years since he last sat in a Formula 1 car – coincidentally also at Jerez. Toro Rosso stated they had been familiarising themselves with the tyres as well as evaluating some new brake materials.
Honda enjoyed excellent reliability through all the winter testing. Again, they were familiarising themselves with the new tyres – completing 8000 km on the new rubber. Marco Andretti had his first test on Fridat, impressing the rest of the Honda team.
