Fry says Honda drivers a great example

Button will head into his sixth season with the team as he continues to serve a long-term contract, while Barrichello is looking forward to his third year at Honda since his switch from Ferrari.

Speaking in the Nurburgring paddock, Fry said the pair had done everything that could be expected of them during the team's disastrous run of form this year.

"They are a great example to young drivers out there looking at how to act in difficult circumstances," he said. "Jenson and Rubens have been an absolute case study in how to work.

"They have both driven to a very high standard, have certainly made the very best of the equipment and on some occasions they have done more than we thought possible, which is a great accolade to both of them.

"They are absolutely first class performers, both of them. We need to continue to work on the car and hopefully we can make some progress for the rest of the year and make next year a lot better than this year has been."

The announcement this week has come as no surprise.

"For me this was inevitable really," said Button. "I see no reason that we should be doing something different. Rubens and I have done a good job this year and it's a great partnership.

"For me personally, obviously this year has been very, very tough. But we are always moving forward and we have started making some positive changes, with the car and within the team. Also we have some new key arrivals for this season and next season.

"We have a fantastic group of people at Honda. That hasn't changed, but I think that maybe everybody is more positive than they were at the start of the year, and we're all looking forward to 2008.

"We're not forgetting about 2007 because we have a lot of work to do to make the car competitive and be in a good position to take a step forward and hopefully have a winning car."

Barrichello said: "It's an honour for me. Although we have had trouble this year, we are improving all the time and there was never any doubt for me in my mind that we can put everything together for next year. I'm very excited.

"Jenson and I work well together, our relationship is very good. We are giving a lot of energy to the team as the team are giving a lot of energy to us. I think next year is going to be a lot better."

Fry stopped short of announcing who will be the third driver for 2008 because current Honda tester Christian Klien is in talks to join Spyker as a race driver later this season.

"We are waiting to see what happens with Spyker, who have show some interest in Christian," said Fry. "We won't be difficult about standing in Christian's way. If a driver gets a chance of a race seat over just a driving seat, well, that's what drivers like to do."