By Phil Huff
January 12 2009

Honda Racing F1's team principal, Ross Brawn, says his priority is securing the jobs of the Brackley team, even if that means he himself has to step aside. "The objective is to save the jobs... my presence is certainly not a priority," said the straight talking Brawn.

The Brackley squad have been courting offers from as many as 30 interested parties, according to Chief Executive Officer Nick Fry, but Brawn reveals there's no rush to finalise a deal just for the sake of it.

"There's no hurry [to rush in to a deal] because modifying the car to install a different engine requires at least six weeks of work anyway," Brawn told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's unlikely we'll manage to be on track [testing] during the winter. That's why we are studying a package of evolutions for 2010, when we aim to step up the ladder. Next year will remain for us a transitional one."

With Honda effecting a complete pull out of Formula One, the team will need to find a replacement engine, and Brawn has got at least one supply sorted.

"Honda has already said it will not supply us with engines, so that's why I contacted Ferrari," said Brawn. "We haven't signed anything yet but I really appreciated the support from president Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali. It's like being among former schoolmates: they still see me as one of their own."

However, RealHondaF1.com expect the final engine supply will not come from Italy, but far closer to home.

Asked outright about the chance of a successful sale of the team, Brawn responded "Very good chances, I'm really optimistic."