The demise of the Honda Racing team took many by surprise, one of which was British racer Anthony Davidson, who was looking to close a deal with the Brackley based squad for either a test or race deal for the 09 season.

After being forced out of a seat when Super Aguri closed their doors early in the 08 season, Davidson had been sitting on the sidelines watching all the action pass him by. However, he refused to give up on his Formula one career and was soon back in serious talks in regard to a new contract….

"I was in serious talks of not only trying to get a race drive for this year with the team, but as the bare minimum as the reserve driver," he told Autosport. "Talks were progressing really well, and the deal was almost done just with a few weeks to spare before the announcement, and it now leaves me in a very similar situation to what Jenson (Button) faces now.”

So what now?

“I think in terms of Formula One drives it is looking very, very slim at the moment. You should never give up, but I am a realist as well and I have learned that over the last year and the year before. Working with Super Aguri really put me in a good position for now, for these times, because it was always a kind of rocky road anyway."