Honda F1 operation sold to Ross Brawn. Brawn GP Launched for 2009!

[nsany(atl)]

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F1: Honda Pulls Out of Formula 1Written by: RACER & autosport.com
RACER Magazine http://www.racer.com/speedtv 12/05/2008 - 07:52 AM
Tokyo, Japan Global crisis to blame for Honda's withdrawal. (LAT Photo) » More Photos
Honda has announced its immediate withdrawal from Formula 1.

After a night of frenzied speculation about the future of the Honda Racing team, CEO Takeo Fukui told a hastily called press conference in Tokyo that difficult financial conditions had forced the company to make the decision.

"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount," he said. "A recovery is expected to take some time.

"Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas.

"However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula 1 participation.

"We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale."

Fukui admitted that the withdrawal decision had been a hard one to take - especially as Honda had taken a victory as a car maker in 2006 and had already invested a huge amountof money in bidding to return to the top under the leadership of Brawn.

He added: "In its third era of Formula 1 activities, Honda has been participating in Formula 1 races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula 1, we switched to running a 100% Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season.

"Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a grand prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success.

“It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans.

“By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges.

“Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda's Formula 1 efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula 1."

[Mike Lowrey]

Yeah, saw that. Sadly I do not think they will be the only ones.

[SampaGuy]

Supposedly theres a japanese airline wanting to buy the team.

Other f1 news this morning:
-Hockenheimring has financial problems, German GP might be cancelled or moved to Nurburgring
-Cosworth will be the official engine supplier in 2010, each motor will cost 2 million euros each. A team can choose not to buy the Cosworth engine and build its own, but these will be strictly regulated as to not have any performance advantage over the Cosworths. Transmissions however will be standard for all teams

[EJ25RUN]

The actual team might not go to waste but it will be necessary to find a replacement before March.

Takeo Fukui:

Honda put Formula One team up for saleHonda have announced that it plans to sell its Formula One team after the Japanese car manufacturer’s decision to withdraw from the sport in light of difficult conditions in the global auto market.

The current Honda team was formed in 2000 after the company took over the former BAR squad, transforming it into a works team in 2006. Honda now hope to have new owners in place ahead of the 2009 season.

Team principal Ross Brawn and team CEO Nick Fry are expected to be closely involved in the evaluation of potential buyers, with speculation also arising that Brawn could call on contacts at his former team, Ferrari, to help secure a new engine supply deal.

Honda’s original Formula One involvement began in the 1960s, American Richie Ginther scoring their maiden win at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix. Absent from competition in the ‘70s, they went on to several title successes as engine suppliers in the ‘80s and ‘90s with the likes of Williams and McLaren.

Their 2006 works return started well, with Jenson Button winning the Hungarian Grand Prix en route to fourth in the constructors’ championship. However, the team lost their way the following year, scoring just six points from 17 races.

Brawn’s subsequent arrival was heralded as the start of a new era, but came too late to have significant impact on Honda’s 2008 campaign, which saw them finish ninth in the final standings.

Neither of Honda’s race drivers, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, has yet been confirmed for 2009 and the UK-based team recently evaluated GP2 star Bruno Senna.

Full statement from Honda:
“We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

“This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies.

“Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount. A recovery is expected to take some time.

“Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation.

“We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale.

“In its third era of Formula One activities, Honda has been participating in Formula One races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula One, we switched to running a 100 percent Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season.

“Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a Grand Prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success. It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans.

“By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges.

“Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda’s Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One.

"Thank you very much."

Takeo Fukui
President and CEO
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

[BABY J]

Yeah - Audi out as well.

Honda quitting F1, Audi out of American LeMans, Petty merging with Evernham in NASCAR......times are tough boys.

Look for lower club race counts as well, I would guess.

[Elbow]

Club racing isn't that bad yet. Mazdaspeed sent out an e-mail to Mazda racers saying they have no plans on changing any motorsport programs. Racing will ALWAYS go on no matter how bad the economy is.

[NAIZBST]

that sucks that honda is pulling out. I saw it on the news

[BTEC]

They should let me build the engines. id cut them a deal only bc its honda and i need them to stay in the race.

[1SICKLEX]

Honda hasn't done anything recently in F1 and its losing billions. Toyota better have some more podium finishes next year or I say they will quit as well.

18 on the starting grid....wtf?

[EJ25RUN]

Autosport....

Richards rules out Honda buyout

By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 8th 2009, 16:03 GMT


Prodrive boss David Richards has ruled himself out for now as a contender to buy the Honda Racing team, autosport.com has learned.

Richards had been linked with a potential bid to buy the Brackley-based outfit following December's announcement that Honda were to quit F1 with immediate effect.

However, sources have told autosport.com that despite Richards talking about a takeover with potential backers from Kuwait, plus the outfit's chiefs Nick Fry and Ross Brawn, he has now officially pulled himself out of the discussions.

It is believed that the high costs of becoming successful in F1, despite a raft of budget cutting measures being introduced, was one of the key factors in convincing him to put his plans on hold unless circumstances change dramatically.

Richards hinted at the Autosport International Show on Thursday that he was unconvinced that now was the right time for him to return to F1.

"All I can say is that I have made it very clear that the only terms (under which) I would ever consider a return or an involvement was if I felt we could be competitive - and nobody expects to win in their first year of Formula One," he said on the main Autosport stage.

"It has also got to be financially viable. You expect to (have to) invest but you also expect it to work. I just personally feel that the current environment is too unsettled.

"The cost-cutting process that has been put in place has not yet seen its full benefit, and I don't think it will be until 2010 that you will see those issues roll out properly. The teams have still got a burden of overhead that is unsustainable. So consequently, with the window of time for entry, I just question whether it is right at the moment."

Richards believes that the raft of cost-cutting measures agreed between the FIA and the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) in December, although hailed as a big success at the time, do not go far enough in helping the sport.

"I would regard those as modest inroads if I am honest with you," he said. "When you make changes to thing, and you have to make a radical shift to get back to a sustainable level, you make that one-hit, one cut very quickly to get it done and then move forward from that point.

"You don't do it by a series of 1000 cuts. If I was involved I would be pushed hard for a lot deeper cuts a lot quicker."

He added: "I think there are still many people in F1 (for whom) reality has not yet sunk in about just how bad the situation is out there in the world - in business, commerce and everyone's way of life at the moment.

"If Formula One does not reconnect itself with its fan base and with the man in the street, and bring itself down to earth, I fear for its future. I know some people at the top end of the sport are addressing that and are well aware of that...It is a bitter medicine that is required at the moment but it has to be done."

Richards said any plan for him to return to F1 would be decided on purely business grounds, and would not be influenced by any personal desire to potentially become champion after enjoying success with BAR back in 2004.

"We were runner up that year behind Ferrari, and everyone assumes I would be motivated to go back for the last push. That is not what motivates me at all.

"It will be a business decision. It will be a hard-headed business decision, not an emotive one when I make it."

Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry has claimed that more than a dozen parties are being looked at as potential buyers for the team. Sources suggest that the leading contender is Greek shipping tycoon Achilleas Kallakis.

[EJ25RUN]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/brawngp001.jpg

http://www.brawngp.com/

Autoblog...

Officially Official: Honda sells F1 team to Ross Brawn, Brawn GP launched

It's official: Honda has turned over their Formula 1 team to former Team Principal Ross Brawn. Although the terms of the transaction haven't been disclosed, Brawn picks up the whole operation in the sale. While there were suggestions the new team might be named Brackley after the team's HQ locale, it will be eponymously named Brawn GP. Considering the cars feature McLaren-Mercedes powerplants, we weren't surprised when we didn't see the word "Honda" in the name.

Along with the new name comes a new website, BrawnGP.com, where you can find a small gallery of the GP cars, drivers and Ross. The cars have already been testing in the UK at Silverstone and are expected to test in Spain as well before the season opener in Melbourne on March 29. Drivers have been confirmed as Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, assuring some continuity and experience for the new-old team. It will definitely be an interesting F1 season. Press releases from both companies are after the jump.


PRESS RELEASES:

Honda Announces Sale of the Honda Racing F1 Team

TOKYO, Japan, March 6, 2009 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the sale of the Honda Racing F1 Team (HRF1) to Ross Brawn, the former Team Principal of Honda Racing F1 Team.

The entire shares of the HRF1, held by Honda GP Holdings Ltd., the UK-based holding company for HRF1 that managed all operations of Honda's Formula One racing, were sold to Ross Brawn. As a result of this sale, the team ownership has transferred to Mr. Brawn, who plans to have the new team compete for this year's FIA Formula One World Championship.

Hiroshi Oshima, Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. responsible for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports

"Since announcing our withdrawal from Formula One racing on December 5 of last year, we have conducted various studies and discussions so that the team can continue its activities as a new team. 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."






Autosport....

Brawn GP take over Honda Racing

By Jonathan Noble Thursday, March 5th 2009, 23:59 GMT


Ross Brawn has taken control of the former Honda Racing outfit in a move that secures the survival of the tenth team in Formula One.

After months of speculation about the future of the Brackley-based outfit, following Honda's decision to quit grand prix racing last December, a 100 per cent buyout by Brawn has resulted in the team being renamed 'Brawn GP'.

A statement issued at midnight on Thursday said that Brawn had reached agreement with the Honda Motor Company to take ownership of the team. It was also confirmed that the outfit will be powered by Mercedes-Benz engines.

As autosport.com revealed earlier this week, Jenson Button will be partnered by Rubens Barrichello, who is set to extend his record as the most experienced driver in Formula One history.

Speaking about the new deal, Brawn said: "The past few months have been extremely challenging for the team but today's announcement is the very pleasing conclusion to the strenuous efforts that have been 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.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to pay due credit to our staff at Brackley. The levels of motivation and commitment that I have witnessed at the factory deserve the highest praise."

Brawn added: "It would be impossible to mention all of the people without whom today's announcement may not have been possible, however I would like to express particular appreciation for the support we have received from Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de L'Automobile), FOM (Formula One Management), FOTA (Formula One Teams Association), BERR (the UK's Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform), Bridgestone, our other team partners and our many fans the world over.

"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 that the huge experience that Button and Barrichello have between them, having started 423 races in total, would be invaluable to the outfit as it bids to make up for lost time over this winter.

"I am delighted that Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will form our race driver line-up for the 2009 season," he said.

"The vast experience and knowledge that both drivers bring to our 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 in Melbourne on 29 March. In what will be their fourth season together, their experience with our team in Brackley, our systems and our engineers, will prove a real asset."

Honda made it clear it was delighted to have finally put together a deal to safeguard the future of the team.

Hiroshi Oshima, Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. responsible for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports, commented: "Since announcing our withdrawal from Formula One racing on December 5 of last year, we have conducted various studies and discussions so that the team can continue its activities as a new team.

"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."

Brawn GP, whose official colours appear to be yellow, black and white, are scheduled to shake down the new BGP 001 at Silverstone tomorrow in a behind-closed-doors test session, prior to a full blown run out at Barcelona next week and Jerez on March 15-17.

[nsany(atl)]

updated title...

[EJ25RUN]

EXCLUSIVE: Senna respects Brawn call

By Charles Bradley Thursday, March 5th 2009, 11:54 GMT


GP2 runner-up Bruno Senna has set the record straight over the loss of his hoped-for graduation to Formula One with the team formerly known as Honda F1, telling autosport.com that he respects team boss Ross Brawn's decision to overlook him.

Senna, who was scheduled to meet with Brawn this week but had his audience cancelled, says he understands the reasons behind Brawn's decision to stick with the experienced Rubens Barrichello partnering Jenson Button.

Senna told autosport.com: "It seems that Ross [Brawn] has made his decision. It looks like he's based it on the security of the team - it's much easier for him to take Rubens because he's worked with him for a long time.

"Ross was happy with my testing at the end of last year, but it just wasn't enough for him to have the proof that I'm ready for Formula One. I respect his opinion, but I think it's a very straightforward way of looking at things."

The decision has left Senna's plans for 2009 in limbo.

He sees little to gain from another season in the GP2 feeder formula, and turned down options with iSport and Campos, but remains determined to graduate to Formula One as soon as he can.

"We have quite a few things going on now," he said. "We have quite a few proposals, both outside and inside Formula One. It's a difficult moment, because we need to think about which way is the best to go.

"It's very important for me to be linked with Formula One, this year and in the future, in whatever we decide to do. One thing I have learned from this is you've got to be in the right place at the right time."

Senna confirmed he has had preliminary talks with Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug over a possible drive in the German-based DTM touring car championship.

"We have spoken with Norbert but we haven't taken anything forward from our chat yet," said Senna. "When we last spoke I still had a really good chance with Honda in Formula One, so I can't really say anything - the discussion hasn't really happened about [the DTM] yet.

"It's something that is certainly in the frame, but we need to talk about it a lot more. Whatever I do, I will take it very seriously. I want to be successful in anything I do.

"GP2 has been a very good preparation for me to get to Formula One, but there are also some series that are a step sideways from that. I think whatever chance arises can be what I make it to be. It's important to get a good strategy so I'm tied up with Formula One in whatever we chose to do. It's not an easy task."

[speedminded]

EXCLUSIVE: Senna respects Brawn call

By Charles Bradley Thursday, March 5th 2009, 11:54 GMT


GP2 runner-up Bruno Senna has set the record straight over the loss of his hoped-for graduation to Formula One with the team formerly known as Honda F1, telling autosport.com that he respects team boss Ross Brawn's decision to overlook him.

Senna, who was scheduled to meet with Brawn this week but had his audience cancelled, says he understands the reasons behind Brawn's decision to stick with the experienced Rubens Barrichello partnering Jenson Button.

Senna told autosport.com: "It seems that Ross [Brawn] has made his decision. It looks like he's based it on the security of the team - it's much easier for him to take Rubens because he's worked with him for a long time.

"Ross was happy with my testing at the end of last year, but it just wasn't enough for him to have the proof that I'm ready for Formula One. I respect his opinion, but I think it's a very straightforward way of looking at things."

The decision has left Senna's plans for 2009 in limbo.

He sees little to gain from another season in the GP2 feeder formula, and turned down options with iSport and Campos, but remains determined to graduate to Formula One as soon as he can.

"We have quite a few things going on now," he said. "We have quite a few proposals, both outside and inside Formula One. It's a difficult moment, because we need to think about which way is the best to go.

"It's very important for me to be linked with Formula One, this year and in the future, in whatever we decide to do. One thing I have learned from this is you've got to be in the right place at the right time."

Senna confirmed he has had preliminary talks with Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug over a possible drive in the German-based DTM touring car championship.

"We have spoken with Norbert but we haven't taken anything forward from our chat yet," said Senna. "When we last spoke I still had a really good chance with Honda in Formula One, so I can't really say anything - the discussion hasn't really happened about [the DTM] yet.

"It's something that is certainly in the frame, but we need to talk about it a lot more. Whatever I do, I will take it very seriously. I want to be successful in anything I do.

"GP2 has been a very good preparation for me to get to Formula One, but there are also some series that are a step sideways from that. I think whatever chance arises can be what I make it to be. It's important to get a good strategy so I'm tied up with Formula One in whatever we chose to do. It's not an easy task."I wish I had half the dilemmas he has! :doh:

[SampaGuy]

Im happy for Barrichello :cheers:

Can't wait for march 29th!

[nsany(atl)]

here is a group in atlant where we watch all the races at a bar. lots of fun.

http://formula1.meetup.com/54/

[EJ25RUN]

Im happy for Barrichello :cheers:

Can't wait for march 29th!

I wonder how much this has to do with all the years Rubens and Ross spent at Ferrari.