Honda’s 2007 car will be “fundamentally revised” in time for the Malaysian grand prix, according to press reports.
The specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport claims that the Japanese carmaker must endure the season opener this month with the currently uncompetitive RA107, but that for the Sepang test a raft of new parts – including updated bodywork and suspension – will be ready.
Round two of the championship will be held at the same circuit near Kuala Lumpur in April.
Auto Motor und Sport said Honda’s Brackley based chiefs were disappointed with the Melbourne-spec aerodynamic package, which was fitted to the car in Bahrain last week and appeared to have upped the car’s speed.
Indeed, the RA107 is now apparently a full second per lap faster than when it was launched, but it is still up to a second behind the leading pace.
Driver Rubens Barrichello is quoted as saying that one of the main problems is braking.
“We are having to start stopping the car clearly earlier than the others,” the Brazilian said, adding that the 2007 machine is too unstable under braking.
