Honda chief Ross Brawn has confirmed that if the team have a car on the track in 2009 it may have a Ferrari engine.
With the Brackley-based outfit continuing with developments despite not yet finding a buyer for the team, Brawn is considering all the possibilities available to him.
"Honda has already said it will not supply us with engines, so that’s why I contacted Ferrari," Brawn told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We haven’t signed anything yet but I really appreciated the support from president Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali. It’s like being among former schoolmates: they still see me as one of their own."
Brawn concedes that the Honda RA109 won’t be up to standards should they make it to the season-opener in Melbourne on March 29.
"Modifying the car to install a different engine requires at least six weeks of work anyway," he explained.
"It’s unlikely we’ll manage to be on track during the winter.
"That’s why we are studying a package of evolutions for 2010, when we aim to step up the ladder. Next year will remain for us a transitional one," he added.
On the subject of a buyer, Brawn was quick to label reports that Mexican businessman Carlos Slim was on the verge of purchasing the team as speculation.
"This gentleman never visited us and didn’t show any intention of buying the team either," he said.
He is however confident that the team will be rescued in time.
"Very good chances, I’m really optimistic," he said.
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