Honda team principal Ross Brawn is faced with a somewhat problematic dilemma concerning his driver choices for next year following impressive performances from both Lucas Di Grassi and Bruno Senna.
Brawn remained coy about the situation with the BBC Sport website quoting him saying "We will take some time to carefully consider our findings."
In three days of testing, Senna proved the quicker of the two drivers by half a second; however Di Grassi's impressive showing in this year's GP2 season is likely to keep him in contention for the race seat. Senna himself remained diplomatic about the situation with BBC Sport quoting him saying "Whether what I did is good enough is for the team to decide."
Honda is yet to name either of their drivers for the 2009 season with Jenson Button and Rubens Barichello both going out of contract by the end of the year. It seems unlikely however that Brawn will be willing to risk losing a man of Button's experience. Honda will need a top driver to take the team forward, appointing two rookies would surely be a step too far.
Honda will take their time before unveiling their two drivers for next year. Until then we can only speculate who they will appoint, Senna or Di Grassi?
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about 1 month ago
I think that Senna will get the seat, and they might take on Di Grassi as a third driver if Renault don't want him anymore. Di Grassi should get into F1 for the 2010 season
about 1 month ago
How about both of them?
about 1 month ago
I would like to see both of them in an F1 car next year, I think its obvious Honda will keep Button though so only one of them can get it. Who knows, maybe Barichello will suprise us all and take the second race seat? Senna is probably the most likely candidate, although in GP2 Di Grassi was the more impressive, if you look at the statistics he competed in less races than Senna and got better results.
Maybe one of them could get a Toro Rosso drive? I know Senna has strong connections with Burger. Although at the same time they have already signed Buemi and Bourdais did a good enough job in my opinion to maintain a drive for next year.
Also maybe Force India could be interested? I know they are keeping Sutil and Fisichella but if Sutil continues to be unimpressive they could look to invest in whoever misses out on a race seat.
from about 1 month ago
Honda do seem to be signalling that they'll keep Button-boy, so why haven't they signed him?
about 1 month ago
Mate, I just don't get this Brawn guy--he ought to get his act together--if he is really gonna deliver a winning car, he ought to sign on a front row guy, if he is not gonna deliver a race winning car then it does not matter who he signs on...I don't see a Button, Senna or a Grassi do a Alonso(as he does in Renault)---poor Brawn lost it when Alonso decided to stick on at Renault
from about 1 month ago
but then brawn did not do enough to deserve alonso, did he? so why pity him?
about 1 month ago
Dear Honda,
It's your last chance so don't screw it up! Have a pair of one expereinced driver and Senna for future and PR. The experienced driver should be Button or Barrichello whoever agrees for the lower salary. Ok Button can be LITTLE bit more expensive becuase,
1) He is British and has a better fan base and can do better PR for Honda.
2) There is already a Brazilian(Senna) and that is good enough for South American PR and what Honda wants is something for Western world.
other than that there's hardly very less to choose between them. Well Rubens is lot more motivated and little faster.
about 1 month ago
How come you didn't list "keep Rubens" on your vote? It is still possible that he can land a seat.
from about 1 month ago
sadly i think unlikely :(
from about 1 month ago
I am afraid you may be right, but I can still hope. Us old dudes need to stick together.
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