Brawn GP team principal Ross Brawn has moved to quell speculation that his team are favouring world championship leader Jenson Button over his team-mate Rubens Barrichello.
Brawn told his team’s official website that there was no favouritism in the team.
“There is no favouritism. We do not have a number one driver and we do not intend to have one. Jenson and Rubens are on equal terms and conditions and they both get exactly the same equipment,” Brawn stated.
He went on to highlight why traditional problems within teams, such as new drivers coming in and upsetting the order, or psychological tactics, were not a problem at Brawn.
“Jenson and Rubens have been with the team for a few years now and they are fully integrated. Both are great team players.
“One of the key factors in creating such a good atmosphere comes from complete honesty. We have been, and will continue to be, completely honest with the drivers. They know the situation, their engineers know the situation, the team knows the situation.”
Although teams often profess equality between their drivers, the simple reality is that the one in front on the track and in the championship is the de facto favourite. When the championship ceases to be theoretically open to both, most teams close ranks and support the driver who is in contention.
