No January deadline for Honda F1 sale

By Phil Huff
January 27 2009

The supposed deadline for a sale of the Honda Racing F1 team, widely reported to be 31 January, isn't set in stone. As negotiations continue with buyers of the team, a very definite 'wait and see' approach is now being taken in Brackley.

"Don't focus too much on any speculation regarding time frames and deadlines," explained a spokesperson to Reuters. "We're optimistic but it may not be possible to comment further for some time."

Honda Racing F1 are apparently looking in to 12 serious bidders, according to chief executive Nick Fry - who himself is one of the bidders, much to the frustration of some parties. While some potential buyers have publicly withdrawn from the process, we understand at least one of those is still talking with the team.

Meanwhile, work continues in Brackley to build and prepare the race cars for Melbourne. Whilst it is quieter in the factory, the intention is to provide an operation ready to race immediately for any buyer, although the team are still without an engine deal.

Ross Brawn stated that any engine change would take six weeks to effect, but RealHondaF1.com understand an expedited process could see the switch done in two, albeit with significant reliability risks.

Whatever the situation, RealHondaF1.com hope the situation is resolved quickly so that the good people at Brackley can put the uncertainty behind them and move on to a successful future.