The Honda motor company has confirmed it will return to Formula One as an engine supplier to the McLaren F1 team in 2015 in what will be a “joint project” which will see the team renamed McLaren-Honda.
In a press conference in Japan on Thursday, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh confirmed the rekindling of a partnership which delivered many championships during their time together.
“I am delighted to announce that Honda and McLaren will soon begin a new chapter of our legendary Formula 1 partnership,” said Whitmarsh.
“It’s a partnership synonymous with success. Together during the 80s and the 90s McLaren and Honda won 44 grands prix and eight world championships.
“Together in 1988 we created the most successful Formula 1 car of all time, the all conquering McLaren-Honda MP4/4, which was driven to victory 15 times out of 16 by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
“McLaren and Honda are about to embark on a new and extremely exciting adventure together, so on behalf of everyone at McLaren and also everyone who loves F1, I am delighted to welcome Honda back to the sport.”
Honda president and CEO Takanobu Ito added: “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’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group, 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 FIA and to Mr Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realise our participation in F1 racing.”
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