Mechanical concerns also surfaced and the Jordan Honda team have put out a call to Honda engineers in the days before the new season starts saying that they, as well as Jordan, have a lot of work to do.

Eddie Jordan, in Tokyo for a pre-season Honda press conference, said on Monday that the new 2002 engine does not have enough power - an admission that was readily backed by Honda director Takeo Fukui.

Jordan said that both the team and engine manufacturer were short of the desired performance, "We're desperate to get more horsepower out of it. The Honda engineers have work to do, we have work to do," he said.

Fukui added that, "At high rpms (revolutions per minute), the reliability is not all that perfect.
"This is a challenge for us. But race by race we will take whatever measures are necessary."

The release of the RA002E represents the result of extensive research and development during the previous year and there is no doubt that it will be a leap forward over the 2001 unit.
The powerplant’s increased V angle and compact packaging results in a lower centre of gravity and reduced size and weight, while power has been increased. Honda do stress the point that they view performance development as an ongoing process and will be looking to deliver big gains throughout the season.