Apr.18 (GMM) The formula one team Honda has backed next year's proposed banning of tyre warming blankets.

Active race and test drivers have recently flagged the ban, set to coincide with the return of slick tyres in 2009, as a safety concern, after the initial development compounds offered by Bridgestone proved difficult to get up to speed on the test tracks.

But Honda's engineering chief Steve Clark played down the issue at the end of the four day group test this week at Barcelona.

"Running here in warmer conditions, we had no issues with warming the tyres up without blankets," he said.

"We are looking forward to the challenge of running the cars next year without tyre warmers and reduced downforce.

"It should be interesting," he added.