From GMM

New Formula 1 team owner Ross Brawn insists Jenson Button's sterling pace at the wheel of the new Brawn GP BGP001 on Monday was genuine.

But was the pace genuine or had the team drained the fuel tanks, possibly in a bid to entice sponsors?

"If everyone knew how much fuel we had on board, they would be surprised," Brawn told Auto Motor und Sport, who said the Briton was 'smiling' as he gave his answer.

"Even our engine partner Mercedes didn't believe it when we told them. On the basis of our simulations, we knew what (test) lap times this car would do theoretically at Jerez, Bahrain and Barcelona. When we saw the times of the competition, we were surprised they were not quicker," Brawn revealed.

Mercedes-Benz competition boss Norbert Haug said he would not be surprised if Brawn GP continues their good form into the 2009 world championship.

"I believe the people around Ross Brawn and Nick Fry have carried out good work. All the conditions to build a competitive car remained. Ross knows how to develop a team to a competitive state, which he has proved often enough," Haug said.