Honda launched its RA107 car for the 2007 Formula One season in Barcelona Thursday with top driver Jenson Button saying he hopes to be in a position to seriously challenge for the drivers’ title this year.

“We enjoyed a strong second half to the season last year and of course our first win together will always be special,” said Button in reference to his win in the Hungarian Grand Prix last August.

The Briton finished the 2006 season in sixth place with 56 points but thinks the team is on an upward trajectory.

“This year we will hopefully make even greater strides towards our dream of winning the World Championship together and I feel that as we enter our second year under full Honda ownership we have a realistic opportunity of moving closer to that objective,” he said.

The RA107 was sporting its black and white testing colours in preparation for a reveal of the new team livery next month and was presented without any of the usual pomp and ceremony associated with a Formula One launch.

Nick Fry, CEO of the Honda F1 team, said the Japanese outfit was aiming to build on its 2006 season and successful pre-Christmas testing, during which time it completed more testing than any other team.

“In Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello we have two of the most competitive and experienced drivers on the Formula One grid who work together well and play a pivotal role in team leadership and car development,” said Fry.

Barrichello, meanwhile, said he was impressed with the progress made by Honda in the last year and was looking forward to the opening race of the 2007 season, the Australian GP in Melbourne on March 18.

“I am impressed by how the car and the team have evolved during my first year here and it is clear that the RA107 is a step in the right direction,” said the Brazilian.

“I feel confident about the season ahead because I know the importance of a stable team of key staff and drivers. It’s great that we have that advantage.

“I also know just how much work has gone into this car throughout the whole Honda Racing F1 Team organisation and I believe that kind of effort will move us closer to achieving our Championship ambitions. I know that 2007 can be special so I am looking forward to the start of the season.”

(this article was taken from playfuls.com)

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