Brawn calls for patience as Honda decide

Thursday 20th November 2008

Ross Brawn has called for patience as Honda take the time to decide whether Lucas di Grassi or Bruno Senna will partner Jenson Button next season.

Although Button has yet to sign a new contract with the Brackley-based outfit, reports claim that it's just a matter of time, leaving only his team-mate to be decided.

And while Rubens Barrichello would still like the job, it appears as if either Di Grassi or Senna will be taking the Brazilian's race-seat.

The GP2 duo both tested for Honda at Barcelona earlier this week, however, the only day they were both in action was on Monday when Senna finished a full second ahead of Di Grassi.

Tuesday's action saw Di Grassi come home half a second behind Button, while on Wednesday Senna was three-tenths off the Brit's pace.

"We took the opportunity to evaluate the emerging talents of Lucas Di Grassi and Bruno Senna," said team boss Brawn.

"Both drivers spent one and a half days in our car which has enabled the team to assess their performance and level of technical skill.

"Lucas and Bruno have both performed admirably over the course of the week and their evident enthusiasm and commitment has made them a pleasure to work with.

"We will now take some time to carefully consider our findings from this test before reaching any further conclusions."

Meanwhile the Englishman was happy with Honda's first test using the 2009 specifications. The team succeeded in bagging top-eight finishes on all three days.

"The first test of the winter in Barcelona has seen us commence our on-track preparations for 2009, a season which will see the most significant change in Formula One's technical regulations for many years," Brawn said.

"We have been running two modified RA108 chassis with an aerodynamic package representative of the downforce levels required for next season.

"We have also conducted an intensive tyre programme with the Bridgestone Potenza slick tyres.

"Having been sensible in the use of our tyre allocation so far this year, we are in the best possible position to gain information about the new slicks ahead of the launch of our new car.

"Whilst the temperatures have been quite cool this week, which has affected the behaviour of the tyres, both the team and drivers are happy to see Formula One back on slicks."

Your Comments

ilAlfisto

"Brawn is deciding on which 2nd-rate driver is to replace Barrichello - this is "Ross the Boss"? I expect NOTHING of Brawn in this role, and so far he's living up to my expectations."

bazil1968

"What about poor Rubens.

Does not no if he is in or out, up or down.

Should he have been aware of his f1 future first.

For shame honda f1"

race

"Yea it's hard to say, but if "robson" was taken to a race, spent all weekend as a guest of whatever team, on the pit wall for qually in the pits for set up, a ride in the 2 seater, helped out at a pit stop, 7 star hotel, win the race, invited up on to the podium by the driver to collect the trophy.........you'd still gather that the champagne being sprayed would be, "too fizzy....." "

All comments on this story