Honda Add Brawn to Their Brains

Honda have appointed former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn as their team principal, the formula one team have confirmed.

Brawn was part of the Ferrari team which won six successive constructors' championships from 1999 onwards and was the technical mastermind behind all seven of Michael Schumacher's world championships. He also worked as Benetton's technical director when they won the same award in 1994 and 1995.

"Honda has a proud heritage in formula one and the opportunity to help the team to realize its potential represents a fantastic new challenge for me in the sport," said Brawn. "I look forward to working alongside what I know to be some very talented people and helping Honda to rediscover its winning ways."

Brawn, who spent 10 years at Ferrari, will work alongside current chief executive Nick Fry and will be charged with full responsibility for designing, manufacturing and engineering the team's operation from next season.

"Today's announcement that Ross Brawn is to join our team is a very satisfying conclusion to the process of refreshing and revitalizing a strong and determined team," said Fry. "Ross obviously needs no introduction. His experience of winning world championships in formula one will be crucial as we seek to put Honda back into championship contention"

The news will be a huge boost for Honda driver Jenson Button, who had reportedly been unhappy at his car's reliability last season, when he failed to secure a single podium finish.