The UK has been the place to go for Japanese carmakers these past few decades, so it should not surprise anyone that Honda has chosen Britain and Milton Keynes to setup its racing operations in preparation for its return to F1 and its participation in the World Championship from the 2015 season.
“This office will be located in the new engine research and development centre of MUGEN EURO, where Honda plans to start operations from June of 2014,” said the company in a statement.
Honda will take part in F1 under a joint project with McLaren, being the supplier of the power unit, which includes a brand new 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine and energy recovery system, according to the new F1 regulations that come into effect next year.
While research and development of the new power units will be done at Honda R&D centre in Tochigi, Japan, the UK facility will be the European frontline operation for the brand’s F1 participation and will rebuild and maintain the engines. The Japanese carmaker added that it will also base its trackside support operations from the new European office.
“With the confirmation of a new F1 operation base in U.K., our preparation to join F1 has become more specific and concrete,” stated Yasuhisa Arai, Senior Managing Officer and Director, Chief Officer of Motorsports, Honda R&D. “To meet and exceed the expectations of our fans, we will accelerate our development to bring back the unique Honda engine sound onto the track.”
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