Honda: Still a Lot of Work to Do

Japanese engine manufacturer Honda have claimed there is still a lot of work to do on their power unit before they can achieve the goals set for their latest challenge in Formula One racing.

"We are fully aware that there is still a lot of work to be done," race and test team manager Shuhei Nakamoto, who oversees the project for Honda Racing Developments, said.

The Japanese company has been subject to criticism this year for providing an engine that hasn't allowed its two teams, Jordan and British American Racing, to fight at the top of the field after promising a substantial improvement on last season's powerplant.

The company's latest engine made its race debut at the British Grand Prix nine days ago and received encouraging results which saw both BAR drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis finish in the points for the first time in 2002.

Nakamoto is hoping that is a sign of things to come.

"We were obviously encouraged by the results at the British Grand Prix," he said. "It was great to score points, a real boost for everyone and we want to help both out partner teams fight for more points.

"Now that we have successfully introduced our new engine in race trim we must remain focused on continuing our step-by-step development at each Grand Prix to improve our performance throughout the second half of the season."