Honda, Toyota drivers play down Fuji specials
Ralf Schumacher overtakes Jenson Button during the 2007 Turkish Grand Prix
Sep.27 (GMM) Drivers for both Honda and Toyota have played down reports that their teams are set to unleash a special performance at their home race this weekend.
Honda always famously rolled out a 'Suzuka Special' engine for the Japanese grand prix, and after the Belgian grand prix two weeks ago the team tried an updated bodywork package that will be raced at Fuji.
But Rubens Barrichello said at the circuit on Thursday: "I don't think we're going to solve our problems with anything special (here)."
The Brazilian blankly denied that Honda is using a special engine here.
"Well, it's the second race for the engine, so of course there's nothing on that side," he insisted.
"We are trying some different aero configurations for here. Some of them worked in (testing at) Jerez, some of them were no use, so we have something to try here."
It was also reported on Thursday that Toyota has a heavily revised single seater to use at Fuji; a circuit renovated at huge expense by the Japanese giant.
But Ralf Schumacher, whose future at Toyota is unclear, doubts that the team can expect a significantly better weekend in Japan.
"Like any other team we had some tests at Jerez with new bits and pieces on the car because this is a very specific track with a very long straight obviously," said the German.
"(But) I don't know (if we have) any more than other teams brought to this race."