Spain preview quotes: Honda Racing

Ross Brawn, Team Principal

Q. How do you expect the Honda Racing F1 Team to perform at the SpanishGrand Prix?

RB: “The team has made good progress at each race so far this season,gaining in confidence and performing better on each occasion. Our recentdevelopment push on the RA108 with a new aerodynamic package, suspensionmodifications and driveability improvements showed pleasing resultsduring the four-day test this week. I expect these developments to addto our competitiveness and improve our points scoring potential at theSpanish Grand Prix and the races to follow.”

Rubens Barrichello

Q. How did the RA108 perform during testing this week?

RB: “We had a very successful four-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya andwere able to work through a lot of test items. Our main focus was themechanical and aerodynamic developments for the RA108 car at this race.We saw a significant lap time improvement with the new upgrades which isvery pleasing, but as ever, we need to wait until the race weekend todetermine how this will impact our position on the grid. I`m confidentthat we have continued to make good progress.”

Q. You know the track well from testing. Does that help you to extractmore performance from the car?

RB: “Every driver and every F1 team knows the Circuit de Catalunya well aswe use the track so often for testing in the winter months andthroughout the season. The test which takes place in advance of theSpanish Grand Prix means that we are very well prepared for the raceweekend and have a lot of data on the set-up and tyre requirements.However there are always variables in the weather, the wind conditionsand the resulting grip levels so there is still a great deal ofpreparation work to do during the practice sessions to extract themaximum levels of performance from the car.”

Jenson Button

Q. What are your hopes for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend?

JB: “Our performance over the first three races showed a steady rate ofimprovement which was encouraging for the whole team and has given usrenewed confidence in the car. Although I was not able to complete muchmileage at the test this week due to the weather, the team had threedays evaluating the new upgrades, so I am confident that we are in goodshape. The circuit here is very familiar so we will make the best use ofour time on track to fine-tune the set-up of the car. We hope to bechallenging for a top ten qualifying position again which would put usin position for a strong race.”

Q. What is the key to a quick lap around the Circuit de Catalunya?

JB: “The key to a really quick lap is having a car with good downforce; youneed to feel confident when you commit to the very high speed corners.Overtaking can be a real challenge here and one of the bestopportunities is going into the first corner after the start. You cansqueeze by there once the race has settled down but it is verydifficult. The chicane can also be tricky as it is extremely slipperyand so very slow. One little mistake could cost you a lot of timethere.”

21.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Honda    ▪ www.autosport.com