Honda has announced today that it’ll be returning to the world of Formula One. A new partnership will see the Japanese manufacturer once again supplying engines to
the McLaren team
Previous partnership was halcyon for both
The partnership, which will come into effect for the 2015 season, puts Honda is in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of McLaren’s new 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 power unit, as well as the KERS system that’ll be mounted to it. McLaren, meanwhile, will develop and manufacture the chassis, and run the team. Honda says it hopes that the technical experience it’ll gain from competing at the top level of motorsport will once again inform its future engineering development, so hopefully we can expect some trickle-down to cars like the
new NSX
. And with that new model just around the corner, it’s a fair bet that the 'race on Sunday and sell on Monday' philosophy is something Honda has firmly in mind, too. Fingers will be crossed, however, that the new venture doesn't go the way of Honda's
last dabble
The news will be particularly satisfying for fans of retro F1, as it means the return of the McLaren-Honda partnership that powered Ayrton Senna to all three of his world championships, and gave the McLaren team arguably the most successful period in its history. From 1988 to 1991, the pairing won all four drivers’ and constructors’ championships – and given a lacklustre showing thus far in the 2013 season, the team will be hoping to channel that history and relive its former success.
Team hopes new deal will improve its fortunes
“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,” said McLaren’s team boss Martin Whitmarsh. “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.”