Honda Assessment – Ultimately, a positive weekend for the team

Based on the previous day’s qualifications, one could expect, as always, that Honda would miss the boat to get into the points. Yet in China, the outcome of the race is different because Button scores valuable points that give the Japanese team a much-needed breather.

Indeed, Button finishes the race in 5th place and thus scores 4 points. Honda moves ahead of Super-Aguri in the constructor’s championship, which is a relief for the team.

Barrichello finishes the race and places in 15th position. His starting grid position significantly handicapped him.

Jenson Button – 5th

“A fantastic race today and I am very happy to offer these four points to the team for our best result of the season. I struggled at the beginning of the race because the car wasn’t performing well in wet conditions and I had no grip.”

“When the track dried up, we decided to go for dry tires and make a slight change in fuel strategy. From that point on, I started producing faster laps. It was an interesting race with lots of overtaking. I am satisfied today with this result and the points scored.”

Rubens Barrichello – 15th

“Unfortunately we made a decision too late this afternoon, which compromised the possibility of a good race. When the rain started falling after my first pit stop, I thought it would be wet for the rest of the race, so I came in to put on rain tires but this turned out to be the wrong choice just a few laps later.”

“A disappointing end to the weekend but I’m looking ahead now to my home Grand Prix in Brazil in 15 days.”

Jacky Eeckelaert – Technical Director

“Two wet races in seven days made these Asian meetings an exciting challenge. This time the track conditions were good for wet tires. At the beginning of the race, our cars struggled to keep up with the cars around us because we had a heavy fuel load.”

“After everyone opted for dry tires, it started to rain for the second time, and Rubens opted for wet tires. It was a gamble, and the rain stopped after only two laps, so Rubens had to make an additional stop, which ruined his hopes for points. Jenson also had to change earlier than planned because the track was too dry for wet tires; hence, we couldn’t take advantage of our planned one-stop strategy.”

“After losing a few positions with a heavy car in the first part of the race, he drove very well at the end of the race to finish in fifth position. It’s a happy feeling for the team as they score some points again.”