The RA108 – Honda F1 Team’s Newest
The Honda Racing F1 Team’s 2008 challenger, the all-new RA108, was recently launched following an initial shakedown period in Valencia. Team drivers Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button evaluated the car in preparation for the start of its pre-season testing program.
The new car is a response to lessons learned in 2007, benefiting from the combined resources of the Honda Racing F1 Team’s three bases in Brackley and Bracknell, in the UK, and the Honda R&D center at Tochigi, in Japan. The RA108 is the product of a now stronger engineering team, combining the depth of experience of the existing resource with expertise in key areas under the leadership of new Team Principal Ross Brawn.
Here are some initial observations from Honda’s F1 drivers:
Jenson Button – Driver – Car Number 16
“My motivation is to be with a team that is setting its sights on performing at the highest level and in a car that is competitive and I have faith in Honda for the period that lies ahead. I want to win races and I want to be in contention to be world champion. The past five years have been challenging and last year was disappointing, but the team has recognized this and set about tackling the areas that have prevented us from achieving best performance. Everyone at the Honda Racing F1 Team has worked incredibly hard over the winter to develop the RA108 ready for the launch today. The changes that we have made to the team over the last six months of 2007 were exactly what the team needed to take us forward this year and I am confident that we have the right people, along with great support and resources from Honda, to achieve our targets.”
Rubens Barrichello – Driver- Car Number 17
“I had the opportunity to drive the RA108 for the first time in Valencia last week and although I ran for just a few laps in the new car, we were able to complete the planned activity. It is too soon to reach any conclusions about the car’s handling and performance, but I am looking forward to the Barcelona test this coming weekend and really getting to grips with the development of the RA108. This year will be my 16th season in Formula One and my third season with the Honda Racing F1 Team, but my love of the sport and my enthusiasm is undiminished. In fact, this year I will become the most experienced Grand Prix racer of all time, which is something that I am very proud of. We have a very strong development base this year with Alex Wurz joining the team and I am really pleased that he will be able to input his experience and knowledge into the RA108.”
Alex Wurz, Test & Reserve Driver
“I have enjoyed getting to know the Honda Racing F1 Team over the past few weeks and took part in my first test with the team at Valencia last week with an acclimatization program in the RA107. So far I have only driven the RA108 for a few short metres at the launch event today so I’m looking forward to the opportunity to try out the new car later this week in Barcelona, when I will really be able to start contributing to the development program. All three of my previous teams have been world championship winners and I am very proud that I have the opportunity to play a role in the pursuit of Honda’s ambitions.”
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