Honda boss Nick Fry hints at new driver line-up in 2009

Honda’s 2008 season is already a write-off. It’s no secret that they are already concentrating on next season. But how will they make the most of a presumably greatly improved car for 2009?

Both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello’s contracts expire at the end of this season, and so far neither driver has done enough to be certain that their services will be retained. Button has done a solid job, and Rubens is picking up the pace at last, after a very poor start to 2008.

Honda team boss Nick Fry made it clear, in an interview with online mag GPWeek, that both Rubens and Jenson need to step it up, or risk losing their seat.

“We’re open minded at the moment and our drivers are aware of that,” Fry said.

“Obviously when you have a Team Principal and technical guru like Ross (Brawn) in the team, we become possibly even more attractive than we were before and the change in the regulations for next year gives teams like us a big opportunity.”

Quite who might replace Barrichello or Button (or both) is unclear. Fernando Alonso seems to be looking around for a faster car than Renault can offer, but is Honda that car? In 2009, it could be. Young drivers like Sebastian Vettel will be aware of developments at Honda, while there are three “second” drivers at bigger teams who might need a seat next season: Nick Heidfeld at BMW, Heikki Kovalainen at McLaren, and Felipe Massa at Ferrari.

Grid Crasher doubts that both Barrichello and Button will be at Honda next season. For the record, we’d hang on to the younger Button. What would you do? Vote below…