Spain preview quotes: Honda Racing

Q. How do you expect the Honda Racing F1 Team to perform at the Spanish
Grand Prix?

RB: "The team has made good progress at each race so far this season,
gaining in confidence and performing better on each occasion. Our recent
development push on the RA108 with a new aerodynamic package, suspension
modifications and driveability improvements showed pleasing results
during the four-day test this week. I expect these developments to add
to our competitiveness and improve our points scoring potential at the
Spanish Grand Prix and the races to follow."

Rubens Barrichello

Q. How did the RA108 perform during testing this week?

RB: "We had a very successful four-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya and
were able to work through a lot of test items. Our main focus was the
mechanical and aerodynamic developments for the RA108 car at this race.
We saw a significant lap time improvement with the new upgrades which is
very pleasing, but as ever, we need to wait until the race weekend to
determine how this will impact our position on the grid. I'm confident
that we have continued to make good progress."

Q. You know the track well from testing. Does that help you to extract
more performance from the car?

RB: "Every driver and every F1 team knows the Circuit de Catalunya well as
we use the track so often for testing in the winter months and
throughout the season. The test which takes place in advance of the
Spanish Grand Prix means that we are very well prepared for the race
weekend and have a lot of data on the set-up and tyre requirements.
However there are always variables in the weather, the wind conditions
and the resulting grip levels so there is still a great deal of
preparation work to do during the practice sessions to extract the
maximum levels of performance from the car."

Jenson Button

Q. What are your hopes for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend?

JB: "Our performance over the first three races showed a steady rate of
improvement which was encouraging for the whole team and has given us
renewed confidence in the car. Although I was not able to complete much
mileage at the test this week due to the weather, the team had three
days evaluating the new upgrades, so I am confident that we are in good
shape. The circuit here is very familiar so we will make the best use of
our time on track to fine-tune the set-up of the car. We hope to be
challenging for a top ten qualifying position again which would put us
in position for a strong race."

Q. What is the key to a quick lap around the Circuit de Catalunya?

JB: "The key to a really quick lap is having a car with good downforce; you
need to feel confident when you commit to the very high speed corners.
Overtaking can be a real challenge here and one of the best
opportunities is going into the first corner after the start. You can
squeeze by there once the race has settled down but it is very
difficult. The chicane can also be tricky as it is extremely slippery
and so very slow. One little mistake could cost you a lot of time
there."