Honda target midfield in Melbourne

The team ran their definitive Melbourne-spec aerodynamic package for the first time in a private test at Jerez in Spain and, although no laptimes have been issued, the outfit are upbeat about the progress seen.

The RA108 has been left near the bottom of the timesheets in pre-season testing when up against the main opposition so far, but Brawn is bullish about the step forward the new parts have brought.

"We were in Jerez by ourselves and we were able to compare our old car and our new car's aero package - and between the two cars was a good step," said Brawn in a press conference for Honda in Tokyo.

"Most encouraging was the long runs with the new car. It was more consistent and, while the absolute laptime on a single qualifying lap was better, what was particularly encouraging was the race simulation stuff.

"Where that puts us with the rest of the field is too difficult to say. We are certainly not going to compete with the front of the field, but the most important thing for me is that it was a positive step. What I am looking for, and what I want to achieve, is that we can make these steps.

"I think there was a substantial performance gain, which is very encouraging, and perhaps it could put us in the midfield. But in Melbourne we have to do a very good job.

"The middle of the grid is very tight and lots of people have similar lap times. Of BMW, Renault, Williams and perhaps Red Bull, the team that does a particular good job on a weekend will find themselves at the front of that pack, and the team that is not so smart will find themselves at the back of the pack."

Brawn's positive mood from the Jerez test has been echoed by Honda Racing's drivers, who both believe the team are heading in the right direction.

Jenson Button said: "Jerez was the first time I have got into the car expecting a good step forward and actually got a good step forward. So it was a very positive test.

"There is still a long way to go before we are competitive at the front of the field, but this is a step forward and a step in the right direction. Heading into Melbourne I am excited to understand where we will fit in at the first race."

Rubens Barrichello added: "Like Jenson, I feel very, very good for it. I am feeling anxious to get to Melbourne and to see where we fit in. I think the team is well prepared for the season and I am looking forward to it."

Despite the delight at the fact that Honda have appeared to make progress, Brawn has warned that there is still plenty of work for the team before they reach a level they can be satisfied with.

"We are very pleased with the results, and more importantly it gave the results we had predicted - which is an important step.

"We can understand what is happening, we can predict changes and those changes are realised on the track. But we do have a very long way to go. It will be one step at a time, although I am very encouraged by the progress we made last week.

"It is a tremendous challenge F1, as we know. And we have got a lot of things we need to build and improve."