Update at 13:33pm GMT - First picture of the new BGP-001 at Silverstone shakedown. The car was tested at Silverstone today by Jenson Button, sporting a wide, low slung front-wing, highly sculptured sidepods and a narrow rear wing, with a supposedly radical rear diffuser that could make a difference somewhat.
The car was being heavily developed as the takeover went through from December onwards. More on this as I get it later on.
Ross Brawn has officially completed the takeover of the former Honda Racing team in a move which now secures the survival of the 10th confirmed Formula One team.
After a long five month wait for fans and employees, the takeover deal was ratified and confirmed by the FIA and Honda late last night, resulting in the Brackley-based squad being renamed "Brawn GP."
A statement issued at midnight on Thursday by Honda said that Brawn had reached an agreement with the Honda Motor Company to take 100 percent ownership of the team. The release also confirmed that the new team will run on Mercedes-Benz power for the 2009 season.
As reported on Bleacher Report earlier this week, Rubens Barrichello will keep his seat alongside Jenson Button, looking likely to further extend his astonishing record of races.
Speaking about the new deal, Brawn said, "The past few months have been extremely challenging for the team, but today's announcement is the very pleasing conclusion to the strenuous efforts that have been made to secure its future.
"Firstly, it is a great shame that having worked with Honda Motor Company for so long we can no longer continue together. I would like to thank Honda for the fantastic co-operation and support we have received throughout this process, particularly those members of the senior management who were closely involved with concluding our agreement, and for the faith they have demonstrated in myself and our team.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to pay due credit to our staff at Brackley. The levels of motivation and commitment that I have witnessed at the factory deserve the highest praise."
Brawn added, "It would be impossible to mention all of the people without whom today's announcement may not have been possible, however I would like to express particular appreciation for the support we have received from Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de L'Automobile), FOM (Formula One Management), FOTA (Formula One Teams Association), BERR (the UK's Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform), Bridgestone, our other team partners and our many fans the world over.
"The journey ahead will be challenging but exciting and we know we can count on their continued enthusiasm for our team and its ambitions."
Brawn also stated that it was vital that the fledgling team have the services of Button and Barrichello, whose combined total of 423 races is sure to be the benefactor in securing a bright racing future this season.
"I am delighted that Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will form our race driver line-up for the 2009 season," he said.
"The vast experience and knowledge that both drivers bring to our team will prove invaluable as we aim to get up to speed in the shortest possible time to be ready for the first race of the season in Melbourne on 29 March. In what will be their fourth season together, their experience with our team in Brackley, our systems and our engineers, will prove a real asset."
Honda had been trying to find a worthy solution for the team since December, when they made the shocking announcement of their immediate withdrawal from Formula One. Honda looked committed to finding a new owner, and disbanding the team would be the very last resort.
Hiroshi Oshima, Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. responsible for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports, commented, "Since announcing our withdrawal from Formula One racing on December 5 of last year, we have conducted various studies and discussions so that the team can continue its activities as a new team.
"We are very pleased that we could sell the team to Ross Brawn, with whom we have been partaking in the challenges of F1 competition, and are grateful for his decision. We offer our sincerest wishes for the new team which will be led by Ross."
Brawn GP, whose official colours according to autosport.com, will be yellow, white and black, are expected to be performing a behind-closed-doors shakedown of their 2009 challenger before heading to the Circuit de Catalunya for a full test, and then to Jerez on March 15-17 for the final preseason test.
The car is expected to be officially revealed at Barcelona, and will be known as the BGP-001. It is thought that the Brackley employees received orders in late December to begin working on the 09 car, and have reportedly tested the car in unknown locations.
Final thoughts
This is a great announcement for the 700 employees of the team, their fans, and Button and Barrichello of course. Mercedes-Benz will be coming out very strong from this as their willingness to hold on for a deal helped Brawn GP become a reality.
To clarify any confusion, the FIA officially waved a rule that said that a manufacturer could not supply engines to more than two teams, and Vijay Mallya had the final say on the deal. He allowed it to go through as the two teams work closely when they test together at Silverstone.
Brawn GP? Wow, that could shout arrogance from the top of Everest.
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