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Q&A With Otmar!

The actual Q&A session with Otmar:

Q1: Where Do you see yourselves in terms of power in comparison to the other units in F1 (i.e. 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc) and which units are, to your belief, more powerful?
A1: A power comparison is impossible as we are not privy to others power data.

Q2: When do you expect to start to win races? Championships?
A2: We are continually striving for race wins and hopefully we'll achieve this within the next couple of years.

Q3: How much input does Honda have in the teams' selection of racing and testing drivers?
A3: The selection of drivers is a team decision. We are kept informed of the happenings but driver selection is ultimately a team choice.

Q4: What is Honda's realistic target for next year? Will next year's engine be a brand-new design or just an evolution of RA002E??
A4: Next year's engine is a brand new design with specific targets that are for internal use only.

Q5: Which will be the involment of Honda in the development of the new chassis BAR005? Will the Athena project be part of it?
A5: Honda will be involved in many areas of chassis development including a continuation of some aspects of the Athena project.

Q6: In general, when Honda changes personnel at the midpoint of the season, what percentage of engineers stay?
A6: Honda's annual rotation of technical personnel on its Formula One programme is a gradual process. The process, which began at the Spanish Grand Prix, is unique to the Japanese manufacturer and an inseparable element of its participation at the pinnacle of global motorsport. By the Canadian Grand Prix, around 30 new Honda engineers and technicians will have joined B.A.R Honda and Jordan Honda; approximately 20 people on the race teams and 10 on the test teams. By rotating its Formula One personnel on an annual basis, Honda aims to expose as many young engineers as possible to the challenging, high-pressure environment of F1.

Q7: What percentage of management stay?
A7: 100%

Q8: Why Honda didnt come up with there own package like Toyota?
A8: Honda is not interested in owning its own team but pursuing engine technology and the joint chassis development programme.

Q9: Is the Honda F1 program a long term one, or is this not yet decided?
A9: Honda is committed to F1 for the long term.

Q10: Why didn't Honda go for a more accomplished/old team to restart its F1 program (which would have promoted Honda to where BMW is at this stage)?
A10: The joint chassis development programme with British American Racing is very important to Honda which was a key factor when deciding on a partner. The age of a team and previous accomplishments do not necessarily guarantee success.

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