Honda look for better qualifying performance

Tag : testing performance

LONDON " Honda are looking to build on their first podium finishsince 2006 with a strong showing in qualifying for Sundays GermanGrand Prix after making progress in testing at Hockenheim lastweek.
We will be introducing the next step of aerodynamic, mechanicaland engine performance upgrades for the RA108, team boss RossBrawn said in a preview for the 10th round of the season.
The test allowed our engineers to gain a better understanding ofour recent lack of qualifying pace, so we will be aiming for animprovement on our grid positions as the foundation for a strongrace performance.
Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, who took the first win of his FormulaOne career at the old Hockenheim circuit with Ferrari in 2000, putHonda back on the podium when he finished third in a rainsweptBritish Grand Prix on July 6.
It was fantastic to wake up on the Monday morning afterSilverstone and see the trophy, he said after cutting through thefield from 16th place on the grid.
However, we have to keep our focus and continue to improve theperformance of the RA108 as we are fully aware that our result atSilverstone was assisted by the wet conditions.
We made a small step at the test so it will be interesting to seehow the car performs against our midfield competitors thisweekend.
Honda are eighth in the constructors standings, one point behindRenault and two adrift of Toyota-powered Williams.