U.S. GP - Button Lead the race (!) for 15 laps but DNF, JV DNF also

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U.S. GP - Button Led the race (!) for 15 laps but DNF, JV DNF also

Sad but true....

http://www.formula1domain.com/newsitem.asp?NewsID=5736

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/030929/230/e9os6.html

In another note, Honda's RA003 F-1 engine has no HP deficit this year, but needs improvement in terms of reliability:

Thumbs-Up As New Honda Engine Hits Track January 16 10:01
Honda engine chiefs are signaling a tentative thumbs-up as the all-new RA003e V10 made a Barcelona debut yesterday.


Shuhei Nakamoto, Honda Racing Development's Engineering Director, commented as Jenson Button completed 30 initial laps: 'We've had a very good shakedown test today.'

The program was cut short when a reportedly engine-related gremlin struck the sparkling new BAR005. 'As with all first tests we've had one or two teething troubles,' the Japanese admitted.

'But the BAR Honda 005 and the new engine have performed well and it's good to see Jenson Button driving the new car,' he added. We're all looking forward to the season ahead.'

Test driver Anthony Davidson, 23 years old and from Hemel Hempstead, takes over for day two of the test on Thursday before BAR returnee Takuma Sato completes the program before the weekend.

BAR will benefit from fully exclusive Honda factory engines in 2003; and the Japanese manufacturer are promising 'more power' and 'improved torque' with the all-new V10.

As they also hit the livery with a prominent sponsorship arrangement this year, Project Leader Takeo Kiuchi thinks that Honda and BAR are ready to compete 'at the highest level in Formula One.'

He added: 'The whole team are determined to give the fans some exciting racing this year.'

The Japanese admitted a 'difficult time' for the manufacturer since returning in 2000. 'We have not been satisfied with our performance and we want to do better,' he said.

'In 2003 we want to start the season competitively,' Takeo continues.

'The RA003E is more than 15kg lighter than last year's engine; it revs to more than 19,000rpm and the torque curve is improved, too.

'Our target is to get into a position to fight for the world title as soon as possible. In short, Honda is committed to BAR, to Formula One and to winning.'

http://www.f1i.com/articles/ARTICLE_482563.html
 
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As big a fan of Honda as I am, I still think they've got a lot of catching up to do.. And while I think dumping JV's huge salary makes a lot of sense, I don't have a whole lot of confidence in the driving team of Button and Sato. Or BAR for that matter. I think Honda should've stuck with Jordan.
 
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