2007 F1 Preview: Honda
February 20th 2007 13:27
Car Number: 7
A chance to shine
Stats
D.O.B: 19 January, 1980
Debut: Australia 2000, Williams-BMW
Starts: 118
Wins: 1
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 3
Points: 223
2004 was the Chinese year of the monkey. It was also the year that Jenson Button had his most successful season ever, ending the year third in the championship, with 10 podium visits. But none of them were wins. The monkey of 2004 leaped onto Jenson’s back and resolved to cling there stubbornly until the Brit won. It took over a year, but Jenson shook that monkey off at Hungary in 2006. It certainly seemed to have an effect, as he went from that win to score more points in the last six races than any other driver, including championship combatants, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Last year was important for Jenson, but he cannot relax with one win. He must prove he can do it consistently and convincingly in order to be considered championship material. If Honda can pull it all together and make the RA107 a winner, Jenson could be a dark horse.
Car Number: 8
Make or break
Stats:
D.O.B: May 23, 1972
Debut: South Africa 1993, Jordan-Hart
Starts: 231
Wins: 9
Fastest Laps: 15
Poles: 13
Points: 519
Jenson Button appeared to have brained his new Brazilian teammate in 2006. A win, a pole position and nearly double the total points tally makes Jenson seem the clear winner of the Honda battle. But, with all things considered, Rubens did quite a commendable job. Stepping into new team with Michelin-shod cars, after being so closely linked to Bridgestone (with Ferrari), and one that doesn’t revolve around Michael Schumacher would have been a difficult task for Rubens, which showed in his first few races. But over time Rubens improved and became the better of the two in qualifying, if only just. Both drivers out-qualified each other 9 apiece, but Rubens had a slightly higher average grid position than Jenson. Still, this is the year for Rubens to shine. He’s a year to get comfortable, he knows the team better, and importantly, Bridgestone are back. The talent still burns in Rubens, he’s still a quick and passionate racer and he still believes he can win the championship. However, this is a year where he must demonstrate that he can deliver, make or break is a cliché, but it’s so, so applicable for Rubens Barrichello.
The Team
Starts: 53
Wins: 3
Fastest Laps: 2
Poles: 2
Points: 136
WDC: 0
WCC: 0
Test Drivers: Christian Klien (Aut), James Rossiter (GBR)
Back in black: Honda's testing livery
But, there is still some time before the season kicks off, and Honda do have some reasons to be optimistic. Button and Barrichello are a strong pairing, one of the strongest if both drivers are on form. Jenson’s famous win at Hungary should have temporarily relieved some pressure off the team (from Tokyo headquarters wondering how their multi-million dollar operation is going), and also inspired the belief that more wins are possible, and should be delivered thick and fast in 2007.
There is a brand new wind tunnel now functioning, which will contribute richly to the
A strong, if dorky, pairing
Honda cannot afford to become complacent. With other top teams shuffling drivers and swapping personnel, Honda must capitalise. Another lucky win won’t cut it for the Brackley squad this year, they must build on their success, as Renault did after their Alonso’s breakthrough win in 2003, which coincidently was also at Hungary. We all know what Renault went on to do from there, and Honda should believe that it’s their turn. Honda can be championship contenders if they really, really go for it.
In a Nutshell:
Strengths: New wind tunnel operational; strong driver pairing; great engine
Weaknesses: Disappointing in testing; Bridgestone’s posing a problem
Scoreboard:
Drivers: 8/10
Engine: 8/10
Chassis: 7/10
Resources: 8/10
Personnel: 7/10
Total: 38/50
| 47 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
