Honda back on the grid

vectra

After months of speculation, Honda team sources have finally confirmed that the outfit will remain in Formula One this year following a management buyout.

The Japanese manufacturer announced its withdrawal from the sport in December, with the squad having since been centre of attention regarding new ownership.

Sources close to the team have confirmed to The Times that the final plans of an intense buyout are now going through, with team principal Ross Brawn leading the organisation. The 'new' Honda will be funded by a combination of sponsors and F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, as well as the manufacturer itself for 2009.

The car will be powered with a Mercedes-Benz engine, following a customer deal with McLaren, and England's Jenson Button at the wheel. A new name for the team is yet to be annouced, as well as news on Button's team-mate. Heated speculation surrounds Bruno Senna, nephew of three-times World Champion Ayrton, who is the most likely candidate for the drive followed by compatriot Rubens Barrichello.

A shakedown of the new car is due to take place next week at Silverstone.

Glad they got that sorted out.
It would be a shame to see teams bowing out left right and center

RayM

http://www.brawnracing.co.uk

http://www.brawnracing.com

According to Pitpass, both domain names were registered in the past few days, under the name of one Caroline McGrory - a lawyer who has worked for both BAR and Honda. A deliberate red herring, maybe?

EvilMonkey

Good news, how many Mercedes powered cars are on the grid now?

vectra

EvilMonkey wrote: »

Good news, how many Mercedes powered cars are on the grid now?

6 ??
McLaren
Force india
Brawn

EvilMonkey

vectra wrote: »

6 ??
McLaren
Force india
Brawn

I always thought an engine manufacture could only supply 2 teams
for Mercedes that would be McLaren + 1.
It must It must have changed good news for Honda anyway the mercedes v8 is one of the best. :cool:

vectra

EvilMonkey wrote: »

I always thought an engine manufacture could only supply 2 teams
for Mercedes that would be McLaren + 1.
It must It must have changed good news for Honda anyway the mercedes v8 is one of the best. :cool:

Vijay Mallya gave his Permission for one season only to allow Mercedes supply Honda as an extra team so as they could be on the grid this season. This is only a ONE SEASON aggreeance

Irishshin

Very glad Rubens has a drive for this year

elmolesto

Ficus wrote: »

Button and Barrichello are reportedley staying on as this seasons drivers.

Glad Barrichello has a seat this year.

vincenzolorenzo

Yeah if all these rumours are true then I'm delighted for Rubens. He outperformed Button last year and is well worth his spot for another year. For a team in such turmoil an experienced head would be much better than a rookie

oneofakind32

boom

amacachi

If only there was a chance that any car would be that free from ads.

Dunno why they've the grooves on it.