Barrichello 'shocked' by Willis news

The increasing Japanese influence at the team, with the promotion of Shuhei Nakamoto as senior technical director, saw Willis leave the outfit last week. He is now on gardening leave before his contractual situation is sorted out after next weekend's United States Grand Prix.

Although Honda Racing boss Nick Fry has said that the decision to replace Willis was necessary to help turn around the team's fortunes, Barrichello admitted that the news came out of the blue for him.

"It was a shock to begin with," said the Brazilian, who joined Honda at the start of this season. "But it is down to the team. The team is deciding what is best and I am with the team."

Although Nakamoto does not have the experience of car design that Willis has, Barrichello believes the Japanese director's long experience at Honda his and engineering background, in both motorcycle and car racing, will pay dividends.

"More than anything, it is a Honda thing and it is coming from Japan. Nakamoto has the experience of doing that with motorbikes. I don't think it will be a problem in that respect, but only time will tell.

"I get on with both really well, as I get on with the whole team pretty much, but sometimes you see people go.

"It came as big news to me, but I can hardly comment on it. I've known the team for only six months, I got on with Geoff really well, but only the team can really talk about this.

"For now, we need to keep our feet on the ground and do a lot of work. The team deserves to win in the short future because of their work, and I think the team think it is a good decision."

Whether Honda ultimately think Willis's departure is a good decision is a matter of debate, though, with the outfit's press department making efforts to stop the media questioning team members about what has happened.

When autosport.com asked Barrichello whether he was worried that the man who had designed this year's car, and was beginning work on next year's car, was no longer there, one of the team's press staff interrupted to say that questions could only relate to the day's track activities.

Barrichello, slightly amused by the interruption, responded: "Wow, she's small but tough..."