Spanish GP – Can the Practice Sessions Rescue Honda?

Honda is one of the three teams, along with Super-Aguri and Force India, that have not scored any points in the championship this 2008 season. However, since the Australian Grand Prix, the Japanese team has not been idle. They came close to scoring points with Barrichello in the Antipodes, but luck wasn’t on their side!

Like all teams, they made aerodynamic modifications and, like all teams, Honda believes they have taken a step forward. To be discovered this weekend…

Rubens Barrichello – Racing Driver

« We conducted very good tests that lasted 4 days on the Catalonia circuit. Our program focused on the mechanics and aerodynamic innovations of the RA108 for this Spanish race. Note a significant improvement in our lap time. I am very confident that we can continue our progress. »

« Every F1 driver and team is familiar with the Circuit de Catalunya. We ourselves use the track very often during the winter period but also throughout the season. The tests from last week, which therefore took place just before the Spanish Grand Prix, prepare us for the race. We have accumulated data on the setup and the tires. »

« However, there are always parameters that vary over time like weather, wind, and grip levels. Therefore, there is still a lot of work to be done during free practice sessions to maximize our car’s performance. »

Jenson Button – Racing Driver

« Our performances during the first three races of the season have shown great improvements, which are very encouraging for the whole team. Confidence is therefore high, even though my number of kilometers covered in testing was limited due to the weather. But the team previously had three days of testing to evaluate the new upgrade. I am convinced that we are in good shape. »

In Barcelona, overtaking is a real challenge and one of the best opportunities is at the first corner after the start. The chicane can also be dangerous because it is extremely slippery, so it must be taken very slowly. The slightest mistake can prove catastrophic.

Ross Brawn – Team Principal

« The team has made significant progress in each race at the beginning of this season. They are gaining confidence and performing better each time. »

« Our recent developments on the RA108 with a new aerodynamic package, modifications to the suspensions bring improvements in handling. »