Under its former name of BAR the team now known as Honda was the surprise of 2004, claiming second place in the World Championship behind Ferrari. That momentum was lost last season as the team got off to a poor start, and then stumbled through the Imola controversy. However, it recovered ground later in the year as Jenson Button became a consistent points scorer. The team is now 100-percent owned by Honda, and that’s reflected in its change of identity.

The Honda V8 was the first to be run on a circuit, and from the start of testing the RA106 looked good, although even the team admitted that it needed more power. But the early signs are that Honda will join Renault and McLaren as favorites to scoop the honors in 2006. The arrival of Rubens Barrichello has raised the level of expectations; the Brazilian’s Ferrari experience is a major plus, and will help the team to develop in all areas. He will also push Button to new heights.

As in 2004 Anthony Davidson serves as Friday test driver, and that will be a huge advantage in terms of tire and set-up analysis. Like Ferrari, the team tested in hot weather at Bahrain last month, and that may be an advantage come race weekend.

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