2006 BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX INTERLAGOS
RACE
The Honda Racing F1 Team ended its 2006 season in style today
as Jenson Button secured another podium finish for the team
in a breathtaking title decider at the Interlagos circuit.
He took the chequered flag in third position after a brilliant
drive from 14th on the grid, while local hero Rubens Barrichello
crossed the line in seventh place.
Today's result brings the Honda Racing F1 Team's tally to
21 points finishes, with Jenson securing his seventh consecutive
points haul, to make a total of 11 from the 18 races. Rubens
brought home points on 10 occasions from the 18 opportunities.
They end the Drivers' Championship sixth and seventh, whilst
the team takes a strong fourth position in the Constructors'
Championship, 50 points ahead of the next team.
Today's result is a fitting tribute to a hard-fought and
competitive second half of the year and makes the farewell
to title sponsor Lucky Strike and tyre supplier Michelin in
their final race with the team all the more poignant.
JENSON BUTTON
"I'm thrilled to end the season on the podium, especially
coming through from 14th on the grid yet again and after the
problem we experienced yesterday. This result came out of
a genuine fight, with the car showing great competitiveness.
It was one of the most enjoyable races I have experienced.
It's only natural to think about where we could have finished
if we had been able to start further up the grid, but we shouldn't
take anything away from a great result and a very strong second
half of the season. My thanks to everyone in the team, and
all our partners and fans. This is a fantastic way to go into
the winter when I'm sure we will all have the motivation to
push harder for a much stronger 2007 season."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
"It was tough for me today. I couldn't get a rhythm in
the car and I was having some difficulties with the handling,
but still we got two cars in the points once again. Jenson
had a good race coming from the back to get on the podium,
so it's a strong end of the season for us. I have to say that
I struggled this year with the car but we have the winter
to work hard with the benefit of all the lessons we have learned
this season. I would also like to congratulate Felipe on his
fantastic win today. We all get in life what we deserve, and
he has had a great weekend. My thanks to everyone associated
with our team for a great first season with Honda. Now I'm
looking forward to 2007."
GIL DE FERRAN
Sporting Director
"What a great way to finish the season and what a spectacular
drive by Jenson to come all the way from 14th to the podium
once again! Jenson had a good start and made up a lot of places
on the first lap. After that he was flying, executing some
brilliantly judged overtaking manoeuvres. Once he caught up
with Alonso, he put up a good fight to try and pass him for
second. Rubens raced hard throughout, posing a strong challenge
to Fisichella who was on a similar strategy.
"Today is a day of many milestones. First of all, well
done to Fernando Alonso on a much-deserved second World Championship
title. Many congratulations and best wishes to Michael Schumacher
on a brilliant and inspiring career that brought many F1 fans
a lot of joy over 15 years of spectacular racing. Many thanks
also to the founders of this team, British American Tobacco,
and title sponsor Lucky Strike, in what is their last race,
for their confidence, support and vision. Lastly we should
also thank our partners - particularly Michelin - and the
many talented Honda team members in Japan and the UK for the
tremendous effort and dedication which has culminated in this
great final result of the season."
RACE STATS
Drivers Car No. Chassis Race Result
Rubens Barrichello 11 RA106-01 P7 Fastest lap 01:13.391
Jenson Button 12 RA106-05 P3 Fastest lap 01:13.053
Weather Warm and sunny
Temperatures Air: 22-24°C Track: 30-45°C
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