Auto racing F1 Honda racing team principal Ross Brawn thinks the Japanese manufacturer can target the midfield with their revamped RA108, after some encouraging signs from testing last week.

The team ran their definitive Melbourne-spec aerodynamic package for the first time in a private test at Jerez in Spain and, although no lap times have been issued, the outfit are upbeat about the progress seen.
The F1 Honda RA108 has been left near the bottom of the timesheets in pre-season testing when up against the main opposition so far, but Brawn is bullish about the step forward the new parts have brought.

"We were in Jerez by ourselves and we were able to compare our old car and our new car's aero package - and between the two cars was a good step," said Brawn in a press conference for Honda in Tokyo.

"Most encouraging was the long runs with the new car. It was more consistent and, while the absolute lap time on a single qualifying lap was better, what was particularly encouraging was the race simulation stuff.

"Where that puts us with the rest of the field is too difficult to say. We are certainly not going to compete with the front of the field, but the most important thing for me is that it was a positive step. What I am looking for, and what I want to achieve, is that we can make these steps.