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Brawn: Encouraged

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• Honda

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• Jenson Button
• Rubens Barrichello

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Honda Racing team boss Ross Brawn hopes they will be able to compete with the likes of BMW Sauber, Renault and Williams during the 2008 Formula One season.

The Brackley-based team had a dismal 2007 and are hoping that, in the shape of their new RA108, they have a car with which they can turn their fortunes around.

The RA108 showed little in the way of improvement during early testing pre-season; however, according to Brawn, a new aerodynamic package tested at Jerez last week offered a step forward - particularly over a race distance.

"We were in Jerez by ourselves and we were able to compare our old car and our new car's aero package - and between the two cars was a good step," he said at a Honda press conference in Tokyo.

"Most encouraging was the long runs with the new car. It was more consistent and, while the absolute laptime on a single qualifying lap was better, what was particularly encouraging was the race simulation stuff."

Brawn said that it was difficult to predict where Honda stood ahead of the new season, but added that the fact clear progress was being made was the most encouraging thing.

"Where that puts us with the rest of the field is too difficult to say. We are certainly not going to compete with the front of the field, but the most important thing for me is that it was a positive step, " he continued. "What I am looking for, and what I want to achieve, is that we can make these steps.

"I think there was a substantial performance gain, which is very encouraging, and perhaps it could put us in the midfield. But in Melbourne we have to do a very good job.

"The middle of the grid is very tight and lots of people have similar lap times. Of BMW, Renault, Williams and perhaps Red Bull, the team that does a particular good job on a weekend will find themselves at the front of that pack, and the team that is not so smart will find themselves at the back of the pack."

Positive

The team's two drivers, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, echoed Brawn's sentiments.

"Jerez was the first time I have got into the car expecting a good step forward and actually got a good step forward. So it was a very positive test," Button said.

"There is still a long way to go before we are competitive at the front of the field, but this is a step forward and a step in the right direction. Heading into Melbourne I am excited to understand where we will fit in at the first race."

Barrichello added: "Like Jenson, I feel very, very good for it. I am feeling anxious to get to Melbourne and to see where we fit in. I think the team is well prepared for the season and I am looking forward to it."