Kanaan takes up BAR test

Former Indy Racing League champion Tony Kanaan will get his first taste of Formula One when he tests for BAR-Honda next week.

The Brazilian was promised a BAR test after winning last year’s IRL title in a Honda-engined Andretti Green car and he will finally take up the opportunity at Jerez in Spain.

The 30-year-old said: “I feel honoured to have this opportunity. My relationship with Honda is quite long-standing and having this chance means a lot to me.

“Honda is and will always be part of my life. We did a great job together last year and this is recognition of the really hard work that went into that.”

BAR sporting director Gil de Ferran raced against his countryman in the IRL and was pleased to finalise the testing plan.

He added: “I am very pleased that we are able to give Tony his first taste of a Formula One car and it will certainly be an honour for us to run a reigning champion from the extended Honda Racing family.”

Kanaan is almost certain to have lost his title to Dan Wheldon by the time he steps in at BAR.

The Englishman only needs to start this weekend’s race at Watkins Glen to secure his maiden championship.