Honda pledges parity for BAR, Jordan

Mugen, a tuning company with close links to the Japanese company, has supplied Jordan's Honda-derived units for the last two seasons, but will join BAR on full works status in 2001.

Rumours had surfaced that Mugen would continue to service Jordan's engine supply next year, but a Honda spokesman denied this, saying: "Nothing has been finalised at the moment, but Mugen will not be involved at all next year.

"Mugen and Honda are different companies with different criteria and Honda's aim next year is to supply Jordan and BAR with the same engines."

Mugen has been linked to a possible supply of engines to Minardi, but its British base, owned by Honda, is expected to be taken over by the Japanese car giant to provide extra space for its expansion. Some Mugen staff may also be taken on for the new project, as well as transporters and machinery.