Honda is to base its
European Formula 1 racing operation in Milton Keynes, UK from June next year in
order to continue work on its 2015 season F1 engine.
The company is developing the new engine under a joint programme
with McLaren. McLaren currently uses engines from Mercedes-benz. Honda claims
it has just fired up the new engine. Red Bull racing is also located in Milton
Keynes.
Manabu Nishimae, president of Honda Motor Europe Ltd, commented,
"It's exciting to hear the cry of our new born Formula One engine for the
first time. Our engineers are working hard to develop the engine and we are all
looking forward to the start of the 2015 season."
Honda will be in charge of development, manufacture and supply of
the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren
will be responsible for 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 says it 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, according to
the company. Plus, a new generation of Honda engineers can experience the
challenges and thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport. ■
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