Honda targets mid-grid at Melbourne

Honda Racing’s team principal, Ross Brawn, believes that his team can aim for the midfield with the RA108, once again revamped after last week’s testing.

The team will be present in Melbourne with a car that will have a new aerodynamic package but has only been tested once, in Jerez, Spain, a week ago. Even though the team has not disclosed any times, the results seem positive.

« We were in Jerez and were able to compare our old car with the one that features our new aerodynamic package. The transition between the two versions is successful, » said Brawn at a press conference in Tokyo.

« The purpose of this change was to promote long journeys with the new car. We conducted a race simulation and the result is particularly encouraging. »

« We are certainly not ready to fight for the top spots, but the most important thing for me is that it is a positive measure. »

« I think there is a significant performance gain, which is very encouraging and we might hope for the midfield in Melbourne, » he commented.

« This midfield is very open as many teams are already there like BMW, Renault, Williams, and Red Bull. The team that benefits the most from the free practice sessions will be in a good position and the team that is not very smart will find themselves at the back of the pack! »