Honda trusts Barrichello

Honda Racing’s leaders are confident that Rubens Barrichello is capable of silencing critics who say he won’t achieve more in F1 next year after his very disappointing 2007 campaign.

Barrichello did not score a single point in the 2007 championship, and inevitably, rumors began to circulate about his possible departure from the team.

But before a 2008 season that will make him the oldest man in the history of F1 racing, the leaders of Honda Racing have full confidence that the Brazilian will shine once again. Especially as he is about to renew his working relationship with the team’s principal, Ross Brawn.

The CEO of Honda Racing, Nick Fry, said to Autosport magazine: « This year has been tough for him. Ross has already worked with him in the past and is convinced that Barrichello can bounce back. This sentiment from the boss has really motivated him. »

Fry admitted that Barrichello’s enthusiasm suffered this year due to the team’s difficulties with the RA107, but he believes things will be very different in 2008.

For someone who has been in F1 with a team such as Ferrari and especially for such a long period, finding himself in a rather weak car significantly affected his motivation, he said.

« The two drivers worked hard. This year, particularly at the beginning, he felt stifled with Jenson. »

The newly appointed Honda director Ross Brawn stated that he has no concerns about the qualities that Barrichello and Button possess.

« I am very happy with both drivers and I have no issues with them regarding the achievement of the team’s objectives. »

« I know very well that Rubens was always capable of posing serious competition to Michael Schumacher. You just need to give him the means and good equipment, and he can win races, » stated Brawn.

« And I think the same thing about Jenson. He has been able to win a race and he is an exceptional driver. He will in no way be the cause of a possible failure, we might fail because we won’t have the right equipment. »

« We have two very good drivers, Rubens, whom I know well, and Button, whom I look forward to working with, » he concluded.