Trio weigh up Honda offers

Fry: Confident

In the last 12 hours we've had three serious people come to us and suggest they would like to buy the team, so we're still hoping to be there in Melbourne.

Nick Fry.
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Honda chief executive Nick Fry is remaining confident a new owner will be found for the Formula One team after a trio of prospective buyers came forward.

The sport was rocked by news on Friday that the Japanese motor group were pulling out of the sport because of the global credit crunch.

Honda's decision sparked fears that other teams could follow, however the team - which included Briton Jenson Button - could yet be saved.

And with three parties already expressing an interest in taking Honda over, Fry is hopeful the team will be on the grid at the start of next season in Australia on March 29.

"In the last 12 hours we've had three serious people come to us and suggest they would like to buy the team, so we're still hoping to be there in Melbourne," Fry said.

"The one thing I would say is that this is a completely different situation from prior Formula One teams stopping.

"This team is one of the best funded, has the best assets, the best resources in the pit lane, a fantastic group of people, and a car designed by Ross Brawn, who has won many world championships, and is ready to go next year.

Hopeful

"I think we are going to be a desirable asset for somebody. We are very hopeful, as are most of the commentators in Formula One, that this team is going to take a big step upwards, so it is a big opportunity for somebody."

Honda's withdrawal from F1 means Button currently faces an uncertain future - with only Toro Rosso yet to confirm their 2009 line-up.

However Fry is hoping that Button will see out his deal with the team if new owners do come in.

"Jenson has a contract with the team, and if we can find new owners then we hope he will continue," added Fry.

"He has very much been an integral part of the team for a good few years now.

"He is a fantastic driver and a big asset, which will hopefully make the team even more attractive.

"On the second driver position (previously occupied by Rubens Barrichello), that is undecided as yet."