Friday – Brawn GP impresses its competitors!

Exactly three weeks after the rebirth of the Honda team, taken over by Brawn GP, the BGP 001 cars made their official debut today in the 2009 championship. As during the winter tests, the team’s two drivers, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, impress and appear to be serious contenders.

Like all teams and as usual, Brawn GP complains about the low grip on the track, which is always weak at the Melbourne circuit and generally during urban meetings. Button and Barrichello focused on the tires and the preparation for Sunday’s race. They completed many laps, 109 in total, to improve the car’s reliability.

Rubens Barrichello – 4th and 2nd:

« I am really happy to be in Melbourne today and to have completed this session. We can be proud of the car we have, despite the few kilometers gathered. We worked on the tires, and thus I think that tomorrow we can be well positioned in qualifying! »

Jenson Button – 6th and 5th:

It was great to come back for a new season. We worked well today, especially on the tires; I encountered some issues finding the balance, but I still have plenty of time to sort everything out and be ready for qualifying.

Ross Brawn – Director

« The Albert Park circuit is very different from the circuits we have been on this late winter. Today’s work was therefore to set up the car according to the drivers’ wishes and especially to adapt it to the specific conditions encountered on urban circuits. Like many others, we complain about the grip, but it will improve tomorrow and for the rest of the weekend. »

« In fact, it’s a very good start to the weekend. We still have some questions about reliability due to the low number of kilometers covered, but we are confident for the future. »