Honda unveils its new RA108

The official presentation of the Honda 2008 took place today at the team’s headquarters in Brackley.

The launch follows the initial tests of the brand-new RA108 in Valencia carried out last week by drivers Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button. The testing programs will continue later this week. During this launch day, it was the reserve driver for the year 2008, Alex Wurz, who put on the show…

At the wheel of the car for the first time, the Austrian drove the RA108 on the track overlooking the auditorium, in front of the world media and more than 300 guests.

Honda has outlined its plans for 2008 and beyond, reaffirming its commitment to the sport and highlighting the determination of a dynamic team ready to achieve its ambitions.

The challenges of the team in 2008 saw significant evolution in several key areas: The most fundamental, brought about by the change in management and the arrival of Brawn, is rooted in the very philosophy of car design. That is to say, the entire process, from design to launch, has been re-evaluated.

The RA108 is also the product of a strengthened technical team, combining the already existing in-depth experience with new resources and extensive expertise in key areas, under the direction of the new team principal Ross Brawn.

Honda Racing will also benefit from the continuity in racing provided by drivers Button and Barrichello being present for a third consecutive year. This continuity will be combined with talent development for reserve and test driver positions. Alex Wurz will take on this first role, and Honda will announce its lineup for test drivers later in the day.

The launch of the RA108 coincides with the implementation by the team of the « Earthdreams » program.

Earthdreams is an evolution of the program launched in 2007 « my earth dream » and represents the next step in Honda’s commitment to promoting F1 in sustainable development.

All attention is now focused on taking environmental factors into account. The Honda team and its partners have invested nearly 1.2 million dollars, with 700,000 dollars already allocated.

See photos of Honda’s RA108 by clicking here.