The current global economic climate has claimed another victim in the shocking form of the Honda F1 team. If a number of reports turn out to be true, the once world champions will be up for sale and if the legendary Japanese racers don’t find a buyer soon, they won’t be campaigning in 2009.
An unnamed source told Reuters that Honda team bosses Ross Brawn and Nick Fry said, “They have a month to find a buyer, otherwise they are closing the team.” Autocar reports that a media lunch was cancelled this week and that a staff meeting at Honda Team HQ in Brackley was called this evening and an official statement will follow tomorrow morning from Japan.
The reason for the decision is due to the current economic climate and the cost of developing a competitive car that abides by the 2009 rules. Finding someone to back the team during these tumultuous times is going to prove difficult and there’s already talk that Bernie Ecclestone may step in to attempt to work out a deal to keep Honda around.
But whatever the reason, I do personally feel sorry for Ross Brawn who recently teamed up with Honda and has only just completed his first season. My condolences to the sports elder, Rubens Barrichello who is hell bent on not retiring, insisting there are a few seasons of racing left in him. And to Jenson Button who recently claimed that given the right car, he will be able to compete with Lewis Hamilton for the World Championship. Can’t help but wonder what the future holds for them.
More news to follow tomorrow.
