Brawn GP F1 is Honda F1 team’s new name

Brawn GP will step into Honda’s shoes to take over the ex-Honda F1 team. Honda had announced their intention to quit Formula One in the 2009 season, and the team’s future was in doubt till now.

The financial details of the buyout by Brawn GP have not been revealed. Several buyers names were being bandied about as potential owners for the embattled ex-Honda team. However, it was Ross Brawn who finally came to the team’s rescue.

Photo: Ross Brawn, owner of Brawn GP Formula One team

Ross Brawn, ex-Ferrari technical director and ex-Honda principal in 2008, has bought all the shares in the Brackley, England-based team, Honda Motor Co. Brawn has been the technical genius behind a lot of Ferrari successes which saw Michael Schumacher ruling F1 for what seemed like a never-ending period.

Ross Brawn was quoted as saying post-announcement that the the past few months had been extremely challenging for the team, but the announcement about the future of the team, under Brawn GP wings, was a very pleasing conclusion to the strenuous efforts were made to secure its future.

“Firstly, it is a great shame that having worked with Honda Motor Company for so long we can no longer continue together.”

“I would like to thank Honda for the fantastic co-operation and support we have received throughout this process, particularly those members of the senior management who were closely involved with concluding our agreement, and for the faith they have demonstrated in myself and our team,” he added.

Ross Brawn also thanked the Formula One Teams Association, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management (FOM), and Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, and the FIA for their support in securing the deal.

“The journey ahead will be challenging but exciting and we know we can count on their continued enthusiasm for our team and its ambitions,” Brawn said.

Hiroshi Oshima, Honda, managing office, said, “We are very pleased that we could sell the team to Ross Brawn, with whom we have been partaking in the challenges of F1 competition, and are grateful for his decision. We offer our sincerest wishes for the new team which will be led by Ross.”

2008’s Honda team, comprising British driver Jenson Button and Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello, will continue to be part of Brawn GP. While Rubens Barrichello worked with Ross Brawn in Ferrari alongside Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button worked with him in the Honda team during the 2008 season. Now the British driver who has always been in the wrong team at the wrong time will work with Brawn GP. Hopefully, he would be able to offer something that demonstrates his potential this year.

Ross Brawn said, “The vast experience and knowledge that both drivers bring to Brawn GP team will prove invaluable as we aim to get up to speed in the shortest possible time to be ready for the first race of the season.”

Brawn GP will participate in pre-season Formula One tests in Barcelona, Spain starting March 9, 2009, and Jerez on March 15, 2009. Brawn GP will take part in the 2009 season, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix on March 29, 2009. Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines will provide its 2.4-litre engine to Brawn GP. Mercedes engines are also being used by the World Champions Mclaren, as well as the Force India F1 team owned by Vijay Mallya.

In December 2008, Honda had announced that it was pulling out of Formula One as a cost-cutting measure to combat the global financial crisis.

Honda will also put the brakes on its motorcycle racing interests, and bypass the 2009 Suzuka Eight Hours endurance championship.

It is unlikely that even with the genius of Ross Brawn on their side, Brawn GP will be able to succeed in the 2009 season. The confusion has already delayed things for the team, and the new rules are not going to make it any easier for Brawn GP in 2009.