Honda calls off pre-Christmas tests
It was business as usual at the UK facility, on the outskirts of the town in south Northamptonshire, even though in a best-case scenario many of the 700-strong workforce may be laid off.
"We need to stay positive ourselves and as one team because if we are not, no one will be interested in taking it over," the 28-year-old British driver said, according to AP.
One group of designers were said to already be working on accommodating a different engine in the 2009 car, after Honda said from Tokyo it did not want to be "half in and half out" of the sport by remaining as a mere supplier.
The race is on to find a serious buyer before Christmas, and – if that is the case – Honda is willing to keep the factory running and staff fully paid up so that a deal can be finalized in time for the first grand prix of 2009.
"I believe we have got a front-running car already designed," said boss Ross Brawn, although it is believed he has called off the team's attendance at the two Jerez tests before Christmas.