Honda Apologise to BAR

Both Briton Jenson Button and compatriot Anthony Davidson retired after three laps of the season's second race with smoke coming from their engines.
 
Ironically, both cars had new engines after BAR retired their drivers from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix to exploit a technical loophole that has since been closed.

BAR opted for the change knowing that their car was not at the level of the Renaults or McLarens but hoping to gain performance with the fresher engine.

"We're sorry to the team and drivers about the engine problems," said Shuhei Nakamoto, Honda's engineering director, after the race. "At the moment we think it is the same problem as yesterday.  We will be getting a countermeasure in place in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix."

Davidson, the third driver called up as a late replacement for feverish Japanese Takuma Sato, pulled over with flames coming from his car's engine on the same lap as Button. Davidson, who will return to his test driver role next week, was crushed.

"It's so disappointing to end my first race for the team like this," he said. "It's been a challenging weekend and I'd like to thank the team and my physio for all their help in getting me ready to race here.  It's just a shame that we weren't able to see the hard work come to fruition. 

"It looks like we have a lot of work to do in testing next week, when we'll work to ensure the problem is put right for Bahrain."