HOCKENHEIM, Germany, July 19, 2008 (AFP) - Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button will be retained by Honda next season, team principal Ross Brawn said on Saturday.

The two drivers, who have struggled in uncompetitive cars this year, are likely to remain on board for another year, said the Englishman who is masterminding the Japanese outfits revival for 2009.

Brawn said: "I don´t think there will be any dramatic changes (in the team). It´s unfair to criticise the drivers as we haven´t provided them with a good enough car.

"So, the likelihood is the same two helmets will be in our 2009 cars."

Both Button and Barrichello are out of contract at the end of the season.

Brawn is in negotiations with them, but said it was "not the highest priority".

Brawn said he believes that next year´s new regulations will give Honda a chance to catch the front-runners.