Brawn GP inherits the last place in the pits

Brawn GP will showcase its strong potential in the year 2009 from the lower end of the Pitlane. This is, in any case, the spot that the team will occupy for the Australian Grand Prix in just one week.

The new name of the former Honda Racing team, now Brawn GP, was officially approved by the FIA earlier this week on the basis that the team is a newcomer.

A new entry in the championship inevitably has consequences for all the teams. Indeed, Force India, which finished the 2008 season in last place excluding Super-Aguri, is the first concerned. Brawn GP will take the last slot in the pits and paddocks while Force India will gain a place.

Even though occupying the last place doesn’t seem very rewarding, this position could be a strategic advantage for pit stops. The team will have a clear view of everyone else’s stops, but more importantly, they won’t have to maneuver around other teams.

The F1’s chief financier, Bernie Ecclestone, confirmed that Brawn GP will take the last spot because the team is a newcomer.

« If you are a new team, this is indeed the place you should occupy, » commented the Briton.

He added: « This has nothing to do with Honda. On December 5th, the team decided to withdraw. »

« If she had wanted to continue with different shareholders, the team name would not have changed. »

However, a question remains regarding the numbers of the Brawn GP cars. Will these be changed to reflect the fact that it is indeed a new team?

Answer in a few days…