Honda will return as an engine supplier in 2015 starting with McLaren

Japanese automaker Honda has announced its return to Formula One in 2015 - primarily with McLaren. The automaker will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the McLaren Honda team.

"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.Together we have a great legacy - and we're utterly committed to maintaining it," commented Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited.

From next year, the current naturally engineered 2.4-litre V8 will be replaced by a forced induced 1.6-litre V6 unit 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.

Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd said, "Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world's most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1."