Honda in no rush to decide on 2009 line-up

Although the team have privately set their sights on capturing Fernando Alonso, Brawn has said that sorting out driver contracts for 2009 is not a priority as he works on getting the Japanese car manufacturer back to the front of the grid.

When asked by autosport.com about the time frame for making a decision on drivers, Brawn said: "We are in discussions, and it will evolve during the summer. Our priority is clearly to get a better car for next year. So things are moving along but there is no desperate rush.

"I think we have got two very good drivers, so he first thing we have got to do is get a decent car. When we get a good car that will give our drivers the opportunity to show what they can do, and we can take stock then. I don't think the drivers are the problem."

With Button almost certain to be re-signed for next year, teammate Rubens Barrichello's hopes will depend on the success of Honda's attempts to lure a star driver like Alonso.

But, with Barrichello having performed so well in recent races - especially with his third place finish in Silverstone - the Brazilian may yet convince his bosses that he is worth sticking with for another year.

Brawn, in particular, believes Barrichello is an improved driver from when the pair worked together at Ferrari.

"He's possibly better," explained Brawn. "Out of the shadow of Michael (Schumacher) he has recognised the greater scope that Michael brought to the job. Michael was exceptional and any driver racing in the same team as Michael had a massive challenge.

"I think Rubens did a great job of coping with that, but he doesn't have to cope with it any more and it's really opened things up for him a lot more. He is possibly a better driver than when I was at Ferrari."