Their bid for frequent podium finishes with four cars requiring constant attention will bring its own problems for the Japanese engine manufacturer. It does, however, give them the opportunity, if they can manage the workload, to capitalise on the expected high performance of its latest F1 engine.
The new RA001E that has topped over 9,000 kilometres of testing this winter and is looking promising. "We are really looking forward to the new season," said Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Technical Director of Honda Racing Development. "We have enjoyed a very productive and intensive programme of testing, but now the real action begins. We are well prepared for the first race and can go to Australia with confidence."

The extension of Honda's engine supply to two teams, necessitates not only more personnel attending the races. In addition to the 40 engineers and support staff travelling to Australia, Honda has sent more than seven tonnes of equipment on a six-week round-trip that takes in Australia, Malaysia and Brazil, and this does not even include the engines !