There was trouble in Formula 1 with the global economic meltdown at the end of 2008. None felt it more than Honda, who had to eventually take the tough decision of pulling out of Formula 1 altogether. And by the end of February, everyone had forgotten about the team. Including perhaps the two drivers. But early in March, came an announcement that brought great joy around F1 circles. Ross Brawn had stepped in and taken over the erstwhile Honda F1. The new team that will race in 2009 is Brawn GP.

Brawn GP has a partnership with Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, Brixworth, UK to supply the team with its 2.4 liter Mercedes-Benz FO108W Formula One engines. With just three tests -- in Barcelona (9-12 March) and Jerez (15-17 March) -- prior to heading to Melbourne, Australia for the start of the 2009 Formula One Season, many would argue that Brawn’s chances weren’t that great. But the stunning pace displayed in these practice sessions has made everyone sit up and take notice.

What the team can achieve is up for speculation. But it’s great that after Super Aguri’s exit in 2008 there are at least 11 teams competing.

Following are the BGP001’s specifications:

BGP 001
Technical Specification

Chassis
Construction: Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension: Wishbone and pushrod activated torsion springs and rockers
Dampers: Sachs
Wheels: BBS forged magnesium
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
Brakes: Brembo calipers
Brake discs/pads: Carbon/Carbon
Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion
Steering wheel: Carbon fibre construction
Electronics: FIA standard ECU and FIA homologated electronic and electrical system

Transmission
Gearbox: Seven speed unit with carbon composite maincase
Gear selection: Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation
Clutch: Carbon plate

Dimensions
Overall length: 4700mm
Overall height: 950mm
Overall width: 1800mm

Mercedes-Benz FO108W Engine

Technical Specification
Type: Mercedes-Benz FO108W
Capacity: 2.4 litres
Cylinders: 8
Maximum rpm: 18,000 (FIA regulatory limit for 2009)
Bank angle: 90°
Piston bore: 98mm (FIA regulation)
No of valves: 32
Weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
Fuel: Mobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Lubricants: Mobil 1