Brawn says saving jobs is main priority

Discussions between potential buyers and team chiefs Brawn and CEO Nick Fry are ongoing, with high hopes that a deal can be completed by the end of this month.

Although the identity of the interested parties has not yet been disclosed, Brawn has made it clear that the focus is not on finding the highest bidder or saving his job, but in securing the future of Honda Racing's staff

When asked by Gazzetta dello Sport about how many buyers the team were speaking to, Brawn said: "I can only say it's more than one. The objective is to save the jobs...my presence is certainly not a priority."

Brawn said that work at Brackley was continuing on preparing the car for the start of the season, although time frame constraints caused by uncertainty about what engine they will run makes it likely the team will face a tough start to the year if they are saved.

"There's no hurry because modifying the car to install a different engine requires at least six weeks of work anyway," he explained. "It's unlikely we'll manage to be on track during the winter.

"That's why we are studying a package of evolutions for 2010, when we aim to step up the ladder. Next year will remain for us a transitional one."

Brawn also confirmed that he had approached Ferrari for a supply of customer engines.

"Honda has already said it will not supply us with engines, so that's why I contacted Ferrari.

"We haven't signed anything yet but I really appreciated the support from president Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali. It's like being among former schoolmates: they still see me as one of their own."

Brawn also reiterated that speculation Mexican businessman Carlos Slim was poised to buy the team was wide of the mark - despite intense speculation about such a move over the Christmas period.

"This gentleman never visited us and didn't show any intention of buying the team either," he said.

However, speaking about the prospects of the team finding a buyer in time, Brawn said: "Very good chances, I'm really optimistic."