Honda confirm Davidson as third driver

The 26-year-old Briton will fulfil testing duties in Friday sessions at Grands Prix and will be on stand-by to substitute race drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello.

Davidson, who will be in his fifth season with the outfit previously known as BAR until last year, said: "I'm really looking forward to starting the 2006 season with the team in its new guise as the Honda Racing F1 Team. I have enjoyed five years with the team during which time I have made a positive contribution to its development.

"My decision to remain with Honda is the right one, for sure. They are committed to F1 for the long-term and absolutely focused on winning the World Championship. Although I would prefer to be in a race seat in 2006, I am in the best possible position to work towards achieving that goal. For now, we have a very intensive testing programme coming up in preparation for what should be an exciting 2006 season."

Honda sporting director Gil de Ferran commented: "We have said many times how important Anthony Davidson's contribution has been over the past few years to our progress and competitiveness. We are delighted that he accepted our offer to remain with the team as our third driver for 2006.

"Although we all know that Anthony aspires to be a Formula One race driver, and we are all confident that this will happen eventually, his role at Honda Racing is crucial to us this season. In addition to regular testing duties he will also be present at each Grand Prix weekend for Friday testing and to assist with tyre and set-up decisions."

Today's news puts an end to speculation linking Davidson to a drive with Super Aguri, the new Japanese team led by ex-Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki.