Honda Report – Button in the points, Barrichello out

Honda scored more points in one European Grand Prix than in three races at the start of the season. The Japanese team arrived in Barcelona with new aerodynamic updates, among other things.

Progress is on track and despite extenuating circumstances, the team is showing a good performance in the race. Both drivers were even in the points for a while before Barrichello was forced to retire.

Ross Brawn, the former technical director at Ferrari and the new head at Honda, is undoubtedly involved.

Jenson Button – 6th:

« It was a good race for us today and I am really happy to finish in 6th position with three more points. I think we could have been even better if the safety cars hadn’t come in. They played against us although I am glad that Heikki is okay. »

« On the single-seater side, I am satisfied with the work of the team, and I think being under Ross [Brawn]’s management has really been a good thing for us. »

« Our good results are primarily due to the new wind tunnel, but Barcelona is a bumpy track that doesn’t necessarily suit us. So in Turkey, with a cleaner track, I hope to have an even better car! »

Rubens Barrichello – Retirement:

The car was working well today and it’s very disappointing to have to abandon because of the accident in the paddocks with Fisichella… It’s a very silly accident, after my refueling, the team let me out of the pits and Fisichella came out at the same time, and there you go…

« I took a lap afterwards with the wing stuck under the car, but the damage was too significant once I returned to the pit to continue… a shame not to have been able to score some points here especially as the performances are improving from Grand Prix to Grand Prix!

Ross Brawn – Managing Director:

« We are very happy to score points today. It only reflects the extraordinary work we’ve been doing for several months. We are finally rewarded for our first European GP. »

« We are on the right track, and I hope that when the engines and chassis are frozen for 2009, everything will be perfect! »

« We will notably implement new projects and gradually introduce new features in the upcoming races. The next major update will be at Silverstone. »