Honda F1 officials are in talks with Ferrari about a potential engine supply deal for 2009, team principal Ross Brawn has revealed, as the beleagured team attempts to salvage itself ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in late March. Following Honda's announcement to withdraw from F1 on December 5th, the team has been frantically attempting to put together a rescue package for the 700 job at Brackley, with the engine supply just one of a number of steps being taken.

Since Honda announced their intentions to withdraw Ferrari were immediately linked with a possible supply deal with the team. After former customers Force India defected to Mercedes and thanks to the extended life of engines in 2009, the Scuderia finds itself with extra capacity, and with former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn at Honda's helm, relations are positive.

Speaking to British daily The Guardian, Brawn praised his former workmates for their support in attempting to save Honda. “Honda has already said it will not supply us with engines, so that's why I contacted Ferrari. We haven't signed anything yet but I really appreciated the support from president Luca di Montezemolo and [Team Principal] Stefano Domenicali. It's like being among former schoolmates: they still see me as one of their own,” said Brawn.

Furthermore, speaking to news agency Reuters, a Ferrari spokesperson confirmed the Honda talks, but also revealed that the Italian marque had accepted their request for an engine supply. An official deal has not been done however. “They have asked us if we are able to provide engines and we said yes,” said the spokesperson. “That's it, nothing more.”

It has been reported that as many as three or four potential buyers are currently talking with the team about a buyout, and although a deal has yet to be finalised, optimism remains high at Brackley. However, Brawn dismissed suggestions that a deal has to be made soon. “There's no hurry because modifying the car to install a different engine requires at least six weeks of work anyway,” the Guardian quoted Brawn as saying. “It's unlikely we'll manage to be on track during the winter.”

Less encouraging news for team in 2009 is the complications brought by the switch in engine supplier. With the team now working to alter the car in order to fit a different powerplant, Brawn expects 2009 to be a transitional year for the team. Having spent the past two seasons near the back of the field, the news won't do any good to attract fresh interest in the side, while Brawn's revelation of no winter testing will hurt the team further when or if they get to the grid in Melbourne.