Brawn convinced Honda will be competitive

Honda boss Ross Brawn believes that his team's new aerodynamic technology will make them competitive when the F1 season kicks-off this Sunday. During winter testing, Honda, who finished 9th last season, couldn't impress but Brawn feels confident about this season.

Brawn said to the BBC: "It will be one step at a time but I'm encouraged by the progress we made last week (private test at Jerez). The new car is much more consistent with long runs.

"We really got a good step forward in aerodynamics. It was a very positive test, but there's still a long way to go before we get competitive at the front of the field."

Brawn believes that Honda will be a major force in the midfield. "I think we should compete with a group of cars there, but certainly not compete with the front of the group," he said. "In Melbourne, we have to do a very good job, because even in the middle of the group it's very competitive."