HONDA F1

Honda are ready to turn their attention to their 2009 car after just seven races into the 2008 season.

The Brackley-based outfit have struggled to keep up with the midfield pack and are a disappointing eighth in the Constructors' Championship.

The team have already signed off the final current year developments and will now put all their design efforts into the car for next year.

"There are just two or three things we are doing with this year's car, so there will be a phased introduction of (new parts) that will start at Silverstone," team principal Ross Brawn was quoted by Autosport.

"It is just a question of making the bits now. The concept work has been done on these new areas and they are being detailed and manufactured at the moment."

Honda's F1 CEO Nick Fry says their poor performances this season left them with little option, but to focus on next year's car.

"What we need to be able to do to beat Ferrari and McLaren on a good day and it is clear we are not going to do that this year."