Ross Brawn, Honda team boss, is optimistic that the Brackley-based outfit will be in Melbourne despite the close proximity of the 2009 opener.

Ross Brawn, Honda team boss, is optimistic that the Brackley-based outfit will be in Melbourne despite the close proximity of the 2009 opener.

The Honda Motor Co.’s former owner expressed concern about the sale this week, but Ross Brawn, the team principal – which was linked to a management buyout- said that “there is still good cause to be optimistic”.

Auto Motor und Sport in Germany also reported that the 2009 car was successfully modified to accommodate a Mercedes-Benz engine. The first installment to the German manufacturer has already been paid.

Brawn stated that “We only need to get the green light before we can go.” According to Blick, he also stated that if he gets the green light, the team would arrange for travel to the last test sessions of pre-season.

Rumours persist that Nick Fry might not be involved in the management buyout plans. Auto Motor und Sport suggests that Fry’s departure could signal that David Richards, former Prodrive boss, might be joining the team’s management.