The Brackley-based squad received a much-needed tonic in the middle of its dispiriting season when Rubens Barrichello took advantage of the wet conditions to finish a remarkable third at Silverstone, Hondas first podium since 2006.
While Brawn feels that result was a fitting reward for shrewd tactics and fine driving by Barrichello, he says the team is under no illusions that it has made a quantum leap forward in performance.
“The wet race at Silverstone gave us the opportunity to combine driver experience and team performance to achieve a very well deserved podium finish for Rubens,” said Brawn.
“The team worked extremely well throughout the race to take advantage of the opportunities which opened up, aided by an excellent drive and outstanding tyre feedback from Rubens.
“Our first podium of the season was of course a big morale boost.
“However it would be unrealistic to expect a repeat of this result in dry track conditions.”
After an encouraging test outing at Hockenheim last week, Brawn is optimistic that the team will be more competitive in qualifying than of late, when it has usually been mired near the back of the grid.
“Following the test last week, we will be introducing the next step of aerodynamic, mechanical and engine performance upgrades for the RA108,” he said.
“The test allowed our engineers to gain a better understanding of our recent lack of qualifying pace, so we will be aiming for an improvement on our grid positions as the foundation for a strong race performance.
“With changeable weather predicted for the weekend, it could be an interesting race.”
Barrichello said he savoured his first appearance on the rostrum in three years, but echoed Brawn in keeping a lid on expectations for this weekends race.
“It was fantastic to wake up on the Monday morning after Silverstone and see the trophy!” said the Brazilian.
“To step onto the podium again was an unexpected but deserved outcome to our British Grand Prix weekend and I was so pleased to have achieved the result for the team.
“However we have to keep our focus and continue to improve the performance of the RA108 as we are fully aware that our result at Silverstone was assisted by the wet conditions.
“We made a small step at the test so it will be interesting to see how the car performs against our midfield competitors this weekend.”
Team-mate Jenson Button trails Barrichello by eight points in the drivers standings after failing to capitalise on the wet Monaco and Silverstone races.
The Briton has an excellent record at Hockenheim, having scored points there on all but one of his seven visits, but is wary of predicting similar success this time round.
“Our aims for Germany are as always to get the best out of the car and hopefully achieve a good result,” he said.
“It is so incredibly competitive in the midfield pack at the moment that it is almost impossible to make predictions.
“Our test at Hockenheim was successful, so Im looking forward to seeing how that relates to our performance this coming weekend.”
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