'Honda' car expected at F1 test
The team formerly known as Honda are scheduled to take part in all four days of the final Formula One group test at Barcelona next week.
Team principal Ross Brawn’s management-led buy-out of a marque that announced it was withdrawing from F1 in early December, is expected to be confirmed before the start of the test that begins on Monday.
Prior to that, the team – likely to be known as Brawn Racing – will conduct a shakedown of a car that has been in production during the winter despite its uncertain future.
That is understood to be at Silverstone on Friday, just a few miles from the team’s current Brackley base, although officials have been tight-lipped regarding the car’s maiden outing.
However, a source has confirmed the team is due at the Circuit de Catalunya from Monday when for the first time in pre-season all 10 teams will be on view.
Toro Rosso are to unveil their new challenger, the STR4, on Monday, with Sebastien Bourdais and rookie Sebastien Buemi at the wheel.
As yet it is not known whether Rubens Barrichello or Jenson Button will initially be on track, with the former poised to again take up the race seat for what will be his 17th season in F1.
Although yet to sign a contract, when it came down to the crunch, Barrichello’s experience gave him the edge over fellow Brazilian Bruno Senna ahead of what is certain to be a tough, potentially troubled season for Brawn’s team.
