06-Jan-09: Brawn Gives an Update on the Honda Buyout
It’s the 6th January 2009 and you’re listening to F1 Minute.
Ross Brawn has been speaking about how the search for a new buyer at Honda is going, and he says his main priority is to find a new owner so that all the employees keep their jobs. Although there is still no news on any of the potential candidates to take over, or if anyone is close to signing on the dotted line, things are looking a bit more hopeful. Brawn talks of his approach to Ferrari to seek out an engine deal for the coming season, and that although nothing is signed, they were quite welcoming to him.
The one downside that Ross did mention is that the team will be unlikely to do any testing during the winter, and with in-season testing banned this year, it could harm the team’s performance. However, that’s probably the least of their worries.
Elsewhere today, Webber has given an update on his recovery from the broken leg he sustained in November. He’s been training hard, still wants to be in the car by February and says he’s glad it was his right leg and not the harder working left leg.
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
10-Nov-08: Force India Announce Partnership with McLaren-Mercedes
This is F1 Minute and it’s the 10th November 2008.
Force India have confirmed what we all suspected, that they are partnering with McLaren next year. The deal will see the 2009 Force India feature a Mercedes HighPerformanceEngine and a McLaren gearbox and hydraulic system. The agreement lasts for five years, and has given Vijay Mallya a lot of hope for the future. He says: “Of course in 2009 it’s virtually a brand new car and a brand new design. At least from my perspective, winning races I think I can certainly aspire for maybe in 2010, but for 2009 I would be happy if we are regularly in the points. ” For McLaren, Martin Whitmarsh has said the deal makes the two teams very close, and they will discuss all aspects of racing together, however they won’t be making driver decisions on Force India’s behalf.
Also this weekend, the FOTA have agreed that cutting the cost of customer engines is a way to appease the FIA, and have set the price at £4 million.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.