By Phil Huff
July 19 2007

Rubens Barrichello will remain with Honda Racing F1 through to the end of 2008, RealHondaF1.com can reveal. Despite a difficult 2007 season, the Brazilian has decided to remain with the Brackley based outfit, driving the RA108 alongside Jenson Button for a further year.

"When I came here in 2006, it was always my intention to develop a long-term relationship and help build a strong team together," explained Rubens in Germany. "2007 has been tough so far but I believe we are heading in the right direction again. Jenson and I have a great relationship together as team-mates and stability will be key as we look forward to the challenge of 2008."

"In addition to the great team we have already," he adds, "there are some good new people coming on board and I have confidence that we will make progress now."

"For now though, we have eight races remaining and that is where our focus lies."

The first wind tunnel work for the 2008 RA108 has now started, and the datum sheet should be submitted in around a months time, so there is still time for 2007 developments to directly influence the new car. However, there clearly needs to a big step.

In February, Nick Fry told RealHondaF1.com that the Honda can win the championship in 2009, so expectations must be high for the team, the drivers and, of course, the fans.