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Honda speeds into Grand Prix track

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, March 30

HONDA Motor Company (HMC) of Japan has joined forces with British American Racing (BAR) to form a new alliance _ British American Racing Honda (BARH) _ to enter the Formula One World Championship for the third time.

HMC has entered the F-1 circuit after seven years and its team will participate in all the 17 races during 2000. The company will not only develop and manufacture its all-new 3-litre V10 RAOOE engines for BARH, but will also be concerned with racing car chassis development.

``The emphasis on chassis and aerodynamic involvement was a key factor in Honda's decision to return to the Grand Prix arena. However, the intention is to look beyond this and to consider the comprehensive development of the total car,'' a company offici al told newspersons at a press conference here on Wednesday.

According to Mr. Takefumi Hosaka, F-1 project leader and Managing Director of Honda R&D, ``We Know that there is a great deal more to recognise than just horsepower output. Racing chassis technologies, the total management system and a thorough knowledge of the whole picture are areas in which Honda is keen to develop and they represent a fresh challenge for our third generation in Formula One.''

``When we looked for a partner in Formula One, it was important that we could find a relationship which allowed us to accumulate this technology. We felt BAR, established under the sponsorship of the world's second largest cigarette company _ British Ame rican Tobacco (BAT) _ would provide us with the best opportunity and facilities to do so,'' he said.

Honda's two previous periods of Formula One competition brought success as a team in its own right in 1964-1968 and as an engine supplier in 1983-1992. The company has signed drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta for 2000 Formula One season.