Nick Fry confirmed in his position despite the rumors

Ross Brawn wanted to clarify that Nick Fry would retain his role as CEO of the team formerly known as Honda for the 2009 season.

Brawn therefore purchased 100% of the shares of the Japanese team and renamed it Brawn GP.

Following this operation, intense rumors circulated about Fry regarding his role in this takeover.

But in front of the media on Tuesday in Barcelona, where Rubens Barrichello tested the GP001 for the first time, Brawn confirmed that Fry, 52, would continue working for the Brackley team.

« Nick was a key member of the team. He retains his position as general manager and will be a vital member in the future of the team. »

« Despite the speculations, his position has not changed, he has been an essential element in the recovery, » Ross Brawn stressed.

He also stated that a buyout by himself was the only chance to save the majority of the 700 jobs of the now British team.

« There was no choice. If I hadn’t taken on this responsibility, there wouldn’t be a team. Then, all staff members would have been laid off. »

Finally, Brawn revealed that the BGP001 was not yet equipped with the KERS system and that Mercedes-Benz was chosen as the engine supplier because its V8 was a better fit for the car than Ferrari’s.