Brawn also denies Slim-Honda reports-''It's pure speculation''

Team boss Ross Brawn has added his denial to reports that Honda Racing F1 is being bought by the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

He admitted that while "a number of interested parties" are in talks with the Brackley-based team, any suggestion that Slim or his company Telmex are close to finalising a deal is not true.

"We would love it if it were true," Brawn told the Daily Telegraph, "but it's pure speculation from various members of the media. It's just been one of those rumours which has developed a life of its own."

Brawn is, however, remaining positive, insisting that "everything is in place" for a buyer to pick up and take the team to the 2009 season opener in Australia.
"We haven't really lost anything yet as it has still only been a few weeks.

<table cellSpacing=2 align=center><tr><td> sas_pageid='5067/31627'; // Page : racinglive/f1-live_uk/news_page sas_formatid=1701; // Format : 300x250_middle 300x250 sas_target=''; // Targeting SmartAdServer(sas_pageid,sas_formatid,sas_target); on error resume next p404810_FlashMode9=(IsObject(CreateObject("ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash.9"))) </TD></TR></TABLE>

Everything is in place although we have had to turn down various programmes," he said.

"We have enough funding to get us through to Melbourne and we still have a competitive package."

Brawn said there has been so much interest from potential buyers that one of the tasks now is to sort "the serious from the not so serious."

"We're all hopeful that something will happen and we're anxious to turn up the wick again in the new year."

en.f1-live.com