52-year old Honda boss Ross Brawn turned a Ferrari challenge in the Formula One feeling that the challenge posed by the Italian team is not a challenge enough.

"The fact Ferrari wasn't in crisis made it less attractive to me," he said. "I had 10 fantastic years there but you have to be careful going back.

"Honda are a UK-based team with a fantastic racing heritage."

Ross Brawn had served Honda as technical director for ten years. His service providing the tactics had led the Italian giants to six consecutive constructors' championships in 1999 until 2004. At the end of 2006, Brawn left his job to take a 12-month time off when Michael Shumaker announced his retirement after being the Formula One World Champion for seven times.

Brawn revealed that he had given a thought of returning to Maranello but also admitted that both parties haven't reached an amicable agreement. Brawn also confirmed that returning to a UK based team was a huge factor after a vacation with his family in England.

"It looked like it would be difficult to find a solution that suited my ambitions and Ferrari's needs," he told BBC Sport.

"I was getting stronger ties with the UK. I love Italy but it would have been a wrench to go back.

"My mind moved into looking at other options and alternatives and Honda was the first-choice team for me.

"I could see from the outside that they looked like a team with a high level of commitment and a team where I hope I can have an influence.
"Going to Japan and meeting the Honda executives just convinced me it was an exciting choice."

The year 2007 was not that great for Honda's racing team but Brawn foresees a great potential in the team that includes Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, both from Ferrari.

"I've got a lot of experience with Rubens, he's a great driver," said Brawn. "Given the car, given the support and given the circumstances, he can win races.
"There were several championships which Rubens would have won had Michael not been there.

"I have never worked with Jensen, [but have] always admired him from a distance. He's always looked very good to me."