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By cap-dude
#79688
This is actually a great seat to be in, considering that Honda have a load or potenial next year, and could very well be a fanatical long term team.

But anyways, we've got 3 Brazillians all going for the same drive, which one will get it.

Barrichello - He out-scored and out-qualified Jenson over 2008, and is an extremely experienced hand. So there's no reason why he shouldn't be driving next year.

Senna - Name says it all. In just 3 years of racing, he's come quite a long year, but wasn't overally consistent last year, and couldn't take the title. But still has the potenial, remember Aryton Senna's words "if you think I'm fast, wait till you see my nephew"

Di Grassi - Didn't get the drive at Renault, but he finished just behind Glock in Gp2 07, and finished 3rd this year despite missing 3 rounds, and 6 races. No doubt he would've been champion had he completed the whole season. He's a great all round driver, and finished on the podium nearly every race he drove in 08.


It's interesting, Honda have said they're more interested in new talent this year, and Petrobas are apparently looking to sponsor them along with a young brazillian.
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By FerrariFan63
#79689
Given Honda's position, I'd expect they'd want the experience that comes with having driven for a championship winning team. Maybe they don't consider that so important now they have Brawn. But I still think Rubens' speed and experience would be valuable.
By f1maniac95
#79701
I think and believe that Honda will stick with their current driver lineup because both their drivers are very experienced and could bring Honda a great season. However I think there is more chance that Barrichello will lose his race seat because of his age and Honda have invested too much money is Button.
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By McLaren Fan
#79720
Bruno Senna has a lot of potential, but he's not yet ready to make the step up to a racing seat in Formula One. He should follow his uncle's initiative and bide your time. Second changes don't come around if you mess things up in Formula One. Glock is the exception rather than the rule.

At least Button sees sense about the matter, as shown on autosport.com:

Button tells Honda to retain Barrichello

By Simon Strang and Jonathan Noble Friday, November 7th 2008, 14:34 GMT

Jenson Button has urged his Honda Racing chiefs to stick with Rubens Barrichello next year - as he thinks the team will be better off with two experienced drivers.

Honda have announced in the past few days that they are to test Brazilian youngsters Bruno Senna and Lucas di Grassi at Barcelona in Spain later this month as part of their evaluation process for a future race seat.

And although team CEO Nick Fry says it is important the team evaluate new blood, Button thinks Honda would be better off sticking with the experienced Barrichello for 2009.

When asked at a preview press conference for the Race of Champions whether he felt having two experienced drivers was vital for Honda, Button said: "Yes, definitely, especially with the new regulations.

"There are so many changes aerodynamically with the car, and with the KERS also, and the slick tyres, they will need a lot of feedback from us. And having a new boy in the car, I don't feel that you get as much feedback. But it is not my decision."

Button said that he felt Barrichello - who outqualified him 10 times this season - was in the best shape he had seen this year.

"He has driven better this year, than at any point since he has been with our team," said Button. "This is his best season and he says he is driving better now than he ever has done, and I don't think Rubens lies.

"He tells the truth, which is always good in a teammate, and he has put in some very good performances.

"The last three races have been his best. In the race we have been very similar in pace, but in qualifying he has beaten me in the last three races. He has done a good job."

Despite his feelings about Barrichello, Button believes the team were doing the right thing in trying out Senna and di Grassi

"Well it is interesting for the team and it gives them a chance, which is good for them," he said. "But I think it is important to test inexperienced drivers to see how quick they are because nobody really knows.

"Bruno almost won the GP2 championship, he finished behind Pantano who has been there for 10 years, but he might be astonishingly quick in an F1 car, we don't know."

Button's own deal for next year has not yet been confirmed, although autosport.com understands that provisional agreement about him remaining onboard has been reached.

"Nothing is sorted or signed but the team know how I feel and I think I know how the team feels," said Button. "Hopefully we can sort something out soon."
User avatar
By cap-dude
#79744
I get the feeling that Honda could sign Di Grassi. Why? I think Renault will have a hand in the matter. I'm sure they thought about him at Renault, but then decided we'll keep Piquet, see if he improves, and get Di Grassi in at Honda.

I find it hard to see Barrichello being dropped, but Fry seemed pretty interested in some guns. But who knows, we'll just have to wait and see. At least we're not waiting for Alonso.
By EPE
#79761
i would imagen rubens would keep the seat for at least the coming season as with all these changes i dont see a brand new driver being a good step forward especialy after the disapointment of the previous years. bruno senna looks realy hopefully though so you never know young blood could give life to the team.
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By f1ea
#80096
Honda should keep Barichello. Just as Toro Rosso should keep Bourdais. In a F1 full of new variables its definitely a better idea to have 'reliable' guys to fine tune the car during the season. Bring in the young guys as testers for 1-2 yrs before putting them in the hot seat. After the Lewis-boom now everyone wants a shot at the whole rookie sensation thing... but Lewis was the exception rather than the ussual, and Mclaren were only able (or abold enough) to pull the sunt because they had 2x champion aboard.

If Honda dont keep Rubens, then hopefully he can get a Toro Rosso ride. Rubens is certainly driving better than Coulthard had been for the past several seasons...
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By 8-ball
#80331
I have to 100% disagree with Jenson. Having two experienced drivers is just wasting time. One experienced driver should be able to handle the testing requirements and allow the less experienced to learn from him. If Jenson feels he can't do that by himself and need Reubens to hold his hand Honda should take his seat and give it to a younger driver. In fact I think Honda should drop Jenson why is Reubens in the hot seat? He has done a much better job and so should be the driver to lead the team in development alongside di grassi/senna. Jenson can go back to Monaco and enjoy his millions!
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By 7UpJordan
#80364
Whilst youngsters usually have to cope with the step up to F1, next year the current drivers are going to have to cope with the sudden changes to the cars thanks to these new regulations. A driver like Senna or Di Grassi will be able to start fresh with the new generation cars whilst drivers like Trulli (but luckily not Coulthard) will gurn about how much the car understeers in fast corners and possibly have to change their techniques or whatever.
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By Rivelution
#80374
I have to 100% disagree with Jenson. Having two experienced drivers is just wasting time. One experienced driver should be able to handle the testing requirements and allow the less experienced to learn from him. If Jenson feels he can't do that by himself and need Reubens to hold his hand Honda should take his seat and give it to a younger driver. In fact I think Honda should drop Jenson why is Reubens in the hot seat? He has done a much better job and so should be the driver to lead the team in development alongside di grassi/senna. Jenson can go back to Monaco and enjoy his millions!


I totally agree. The only time I heard Jensen's name this year was when he didnt make it out of Q1. He has been a bit unlucky though, like driving at Williams, and Renault before they started winning races. It might be the same for Honda too, if they drop him this year.
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By 8-ball
#80614
I have to 100% disagree with Jenson. Having two experienced drivers is just wasting time. One experienced driver should be able to handle the testing requirements and allow the less experienced to learn from him. If Jenson feels he can't do that by himself and need Reubens to hold his hand Honda should take his seat and give it to a younger driver. In fact I think Honda should drop Jenson why is Reubens in the hot seat? He has done a much better job and so should be the driver to lead the team in development alongside di grassi/senna. Jenson can go back to Monaco and enjoy his millions!


I totally agree. The only time I heard Jensen's name this year was when he didnt make it out of Q1. He has been a bit unlucky though, like driving at Williams, and Renault before they started winning races. It might be the same for Honda too, if they drop him this year.


Jenson is a good driver but I consider him the same way that I do Massa. Good but not naturally gifted like Kimi, Lewis, Kubica and Fernando. For his loyalty to the team I suppose that they might keep him for another year but if they want to advance either Ruebens or Jenson has to go.

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