Honda Extends BAR Deal Through to 2007

Honda will continue to provide engines to the BAR team until the end of the 2007 season, the British Formula One squad announced today.

The agreement also includes a three-year joint chassis development programme.

"Five years have passed since Honda began its third era of Formula One racing," said Takanobu Ito, managing director of Honda Motor Company. "This season we are realising concrete progress in this new challenge and are aiming to reach our initial goal of getting our first victory.

"In order to consistently win races in the future, we have made a new multi-year contract with BAR in which we will supply engines and conduct joint development of chassis technology. We will continue to make an utmost effort in this F1 challenge and ask for your continued support as we strive to fulfil the expectations of Honda motorsports fans worldwide."

BAR have been the revelation of the season after years as Formula One's big overspenders and underperformers. They are currently in third place in the Constructors' Championship, having scored seven podium finishes.

Team principal David Richards added: "The flourishing partnership between BAR and Honda is now starting to show in our on-track performance and Honda's commitment to our future will ensure both long-term stability and the continued competitiveness of the team."