Honda have best line-up - Fry

Honda boss Nick Fry believes his new driver line-up is not only the best in his team’s seven-year history – but the best in Formula One this year.

Honda launched their 2006 car at Barcelona this morning and Fry was optimistic this will be the one which finally delivers a first grand prix win for the team formerly known as BAR.

One area in which Fry is convinced Honda are not lacking is behind the wheel and he believes Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello and test driver Anthony Davidson are the best in the business.

Fry said: “I’d say this is the best driver line-up in our team’s history. I think it is also the best team of drivers on the grid.

“You can debate the merits of any one individual but I think our three put together is the best team.”

Like his team, Button approaches the 2006 season with just one aim in sight - to finally stand on the top step of the podium.

The Englishman hit 100 races last year without a win but Fry does not feel that unwanted milestone will play on Button’s mind.

“Jenson is going to do his level best to win,” he added. “I’ve never seen drivers so motivated as these three and working together so well.

“I think Jenson has always been under pressure and most of that comes from himself because he wants to win.

“We are all in a business where we support each other and try to do the best we possibly can. I don’t think he’s under any undue pressure.”

Fry is hopeful he can bring a long-awaited first victory this season, saying: “We are optimistic at the moment.

“We are pleased we’ve got two great drivers so we go forth optimistically. There’s a great atmosphere between the two of them at the moment.”

He can be under no illusions that Honda demand nothing less than success after a disappointing first year of outright ownership of the team.

Honda racing chief Yasuhiro Wada is getting impatient to win a race, as the Japanese car giants approach their seventh season with the team.

He said: “I personally cannot stand not winning for more than five years. Ideally I would like to see a win this year.”

Honda’s financial backing has helped keep hold of Button and pair him with Barrichello, who was lured from Ferrari over the winter.

The Brazilian has only been able to work with the team since the start of the year but he has already made a big impact on team boss Fry.

He said: “Rubens has been exactly what we expected. He’s technically very strong, he knows exactly what he wants.

“Technically he’s a big asset to the team and he’s working very well with both Jenson and Anthony. His maturity and his depth of experience is going to be a huge asset to the team.”