Honda to Participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship

16 May 2013

Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply
of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system,
while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of
the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.

From
2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 litre direct
injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The
opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the
challenge of racing is central to Honda’s decision to participate in
F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately pursued improvements
in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in more recent
years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies such
as hybrid systems. Participation in Formula 1 under these new
regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both
these areas. Furthermore, a new generation of Honda engineers can
experience the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle
of motorsport.

Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said:
“Ever
since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking
on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our
technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s
most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with
their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater
development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our
participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s¹
decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly
challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue
environmental technologies and to Formula One Group², which
has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by
enthusiastic fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to
Mr. Jean Todt, the President of FIA¹ and to Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group²
who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realise our
participation in F1 racing. The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power
of Dreams”. This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and
realise our dreams together with our customers and fans. Together with
McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a
new beginning in our challenges in F1.”

Also, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said；
“The
names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One,
and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past
achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it’s a mark of
the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take
McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we
have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”

Jean Todt, President of FIA said;
“I
am very happy to hear about Honda’s important decision to return to
Formula One with McLaren from 2015. The introduction of the new power
train next year, in the form of a 1.6 litre, 6 cylinder engine with
direct injection and energy recovery, is a very exciting challenge and
demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport. I am sure that Honda
will become a strong contender in the years to come. ”

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group said;
“It
is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One. Their engine
technology and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula One
contender.”