Jenson Button has admitted that it will be a while before the beleaguered Honda team is challenging for
Formula One success, despite the arrival of much-vaunted former
Ferrari technical chief Ross Brawn.
While confirming that Brawn's decision to take over as team principal at the Brackley operation this season had re-energised
Honda, Button insisted that it would not be the work of a moment to turn its fortunes around - but claimed that he was prepared to remain for the long haul if it meant helping it get back to the front.
"!It is not going to be this year for sure," the Briton replied to questions about when supporters could expect to see him back on top of the
F1 podium, "and, next year, I can't say we are going to have a winning car either.
"What I can say is that we are going to make some very big improvements and, obviously, the regulation changes will make a big difference to all of us. It helps us get back what we have dropped behind - when you have one bad year in F1 you lose a lot of time and to get that back within one or two years is almost impossible.
"I know, at the factory, that we are doing everything we can - as I am sure every other team is - but we are a more complete team than we have ever been. I think we have got a lot of very talented people in the right areas and they are all working together very well. I know we will make a much better car next season, but it is what other people do. We really cannot see the future and see what other people can achieve, but I am happy with the way things are going.
"I think a lot of it is the way of working. Obviously, the technical leadership of Ross has made a big difference, making sure that people within in the team, working in their own areas, do everything they can, working as a team, not having the mechanical, aerodynamical side, all the different areas doing their work individually but bringing everything together.
