Honda Would Like to Build Turbo F1 Engine

Honda'sHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
2419 photos
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history in Formula 1 is filled with success with some very expensive failures along the way. It had impressive engineering but spotted success in the 60sHonda RA272Japan, 1965 > 19653 photos
but its engines dominated Formula 1 in the 80s. Now Honda's Head of Research and Development Yoshiharu Yamamoto says that the company would like to return to the sport with a turbo engine. 

“On a personal level I love racing, but there is a lot involved when you are in F1 – it is the very top of auto racing and that requires a large commitment. But it is true that we do look up at those races and hope that one day we can take part again.

“I do not personally think we can just go straight back immediately, but there is potential for the rules to change and attract us. I follow the rules, certainly, and if they present an opportunity then it would be nice to go back," said Yamamoto. 

Honda has recently been on a gradual move back into motorsports after leaving altogether breifly around the turn of the century. It started in 2007 with the return to prototype racing with the ARX-01Acura ARX-01aJapan, 2007 > present2 photos
and is planning to race in the WTCC next season. There is even a rumor that the new NSXAcura NSX ConceptJapan, 2012 > present19 photos
could spawn a GT racer shortly after its debut. 

Another thing that might spur Honda back to Formula 1 is marketing. The company is starting to transition to more turbocharged engines. It might be able to tie a turbocharged Formula 1 engine to a turbocharged street car. 

Yamamoto warned that before Honda would consider a return to Formula 1, it would have to win the WTCC title. 

The other possible wrench in this plan is whether Formula 1 actually moves to turbocharged engines. Bernie Ecclestone is pushing very hard to abandon the plan. 

Source: Autocar