Honda's ''Three Bs'' look back at MelbourneThe Honda Racing F1 Team seemed to have found better spirits on the track during the Australian Grand Prix, with
Rubens Barrichello holding back
Kimi Raikkonen's overtaking attempts for over a dozen laps before eventually crossing
the finish line in sixth place.
That result was afterwards erased when the Brazilian was disqualified for exiting the pit lane under a red light. The team also committed an error by having Barrichello refuel while the safety car was on track, which later resulted in a stop-and-go penalty.
Jenson Button's participation was quite short after a first-lap collision took him out of the race.
Nonetheless, putting the negative aspects aside, the team feels it has moved up the performance ladder.
With only a few days to regroup between the Australian and Malaysian GPs, the Honda trio of Ross Brawn,
Jenson Button and
Rubens Barrichello look back at the season-opening race and comment on the next challenge.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL:
Q. Sum up your thoughts following last weekend's Australian Grand Prix?
"Whilst the result was disappointing, we have to look at the positives. Qualifying confirmed that we are in the midfield and a very strong race drive from Rubens showed that we have the potential to fight for points.
It was pleasing to see that the aerodynamic upgrade from Jerez worked as expected and I think we have a good basis for the first three races until we can introduce the next development step for Spain."
Q. What do you think the Honda Racing F1 Team can achieve in Malaysia?
"I think we can have a similarly strong weekend to the one we experienced in Melbourne. We have shown that we have a car with which to target the points and two drivers who are very determined to achieve that."
JENSON BUTTON
Q. What are your hopes for the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend?
"I'm looking forward to Malaysia. Obviously I didn't get to compete in Australia because I had an accident at turn one, but I'm very positive for the next one. We made a lot of improvements with the car during the weekend and I'm hoping for the same improvement over the next race. It's very competitive in the midfield and we have to get the best out of the car at every stage. If we can do that we can get a good result in the race."
Q. Describe the physical challenge of driving in 35-degree heat and 70 percent humidity.
"It's tough racing in the temperature but that isn't the real problem, it's the humidity. It's one thing taking in hot air but quite another taking in hot and damp air. It's pretty tough to breathe and it can get quite claustrophobic in the helmet. You just have to make sure you're prepared and we will be!"
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Were you pleased by the performance of the RA108 in Australia?
"We knew we had made a step forward at our final pre-season test in Jerez. What we didn't know was where we were in relation to the other teams. I'm encouraged by the start we have made to the season and for this I have to thank everyone in Japan and the UK for all the hard work that has gone into the car over the past few weeks in particular. I think we are going to have a positive season."
Q. What is the key to a quick lap at Sepang?
"The most important factor is to have a good aerodynamic balance, which is something we have obviously been able to improve for the start of the season. Hopefully this will benefit us again in Malaysia."
Source: Honda
