Team silent as Honda F1 saga reaches apex

A spokeswoman has declined to comment on the latest speculation surrounding the future of the team commonly known as Honda.

Rumours about the success of a management buyout, the potential driver lineup, sponsors, and forthcoming tests are filling the media airwaves, but at present the Brackley based squad is officially saying nothing.

A spokeswoman at Brackley said the team has "no further comments or updates to make on the team's situation at this time".

Behind the scenes, there is undoubtedly plenty of activity, as designers, engineers and mechanics have persisted throughout the winter in readying the 2009 car with a Mercedes-Benz customer engine.

A source at the Tokyo headquarters of withdrawing team owner Honda Motor Co. told Japan's biggest circulation newspaper on Tuesday that an announcement is close.

"We expect to be able to make an announcement from the company and the team in the near future," the source told the daily Yomiuri Shimbun.