03-07-2009, 04:01 PM
[Image: butt_braw_silv_2009-470x313.jpg]
The new Brawn GP team tested its 2009 F1 car at Silverstone today. Jenson Button piloted the BGP001.
The nose is very different to that seen on the interim Honda tested at the end of 2008.
It has very detailed mini-wings inboard of the sidepods in front of the adjustable element. The sidepods are high and wide, similar to those on the McLaren MP4/24.
Throughout 2008 we often heard how Honda was keeping its development to a minimum so as to focus on its 2009 car. Although work has continued on its 2009 challenger in the two months since Honda announced it was putting the team up for sale, the team have not gone testing until now.
The car which would have been the Honda RA109 is now the Brawn GP 001. It has been modified to use Mercedes’ FO108W engine instead of the Honda unit it was designed for, which will surely cause some compromises.
They will be at the Circuit de Catalunya test next week along with the other F1 teams, where we should get an idea how close they are going to be to the pace.
The other striking thing about the BGP 001 is the lack of sponsorship. The almost all-white livery is reminiscent of the Super Aguris when they made their final appearance in last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. Can the team attract any backers in time for the first race of the season?
The nose is very different to that seen on the interim Honda tested at the end of 2008.
It has very detailed mini-wings inboard of the sidepods in front of the adjustable element. The sidepods are high and wide, similar to those on the McLaren MP4/24.
Throughout 2008 we often heard how Honda was keeping its development to a minimum so as to focus on its 2009 car. Although work has continued on its 2009 challenger in the two months since Honda announced it was putting the team up for sale, the team have not gone testing until now.
The car which would have been the Honda RA109 is now the Brawn GP 001. It has been modified to use Mercedes’ FO108W engine instead of the Honda unit it was designed for, which will surely cause some compromises.
They will be at the Circuit de Catalunya test next week along with the other F1 teams, where we should get an idea how close they are going to be to the pace.
The other striking thing about the BGP 001 is the lack of sponsorship. The almost all-white livery is reminiscent of the Super Aguris when they made their final appearance in last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. Can the team attract any backers in time for the first race of the season?