Honda Still Committed to Breakaway Plans
BAR boss Nick Fry says the new planned Formula One team will not have an impact on Honda's commitment to the breakaway championship
The five Formula One carmakers, who are planning their own series from 2008, and seven of the 10 teams met in Germany and issued a statement last week announcing a binding agreement and reiterating their commitment to creating a new series.
The manufacturers - DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes, Renault, BMW, Honda and Toyota - are at odds with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone over the way the sport should be run once an existing commercial agreement expires at the end of 2007.
Honda, who announced on Tuesday that they are to acquire 100 percent of BAR by the end of the year, are involved in the new Formula One team that they are hoping will make their debut next season.
Fry, however, said that despite Honda's backing, the new team would be independent.
"Consider the two separate," said Fry of Honda and the new Honda-powered team. "Honda signed the agreement with the other car manufacturers in Munich on Wednesday that everyone would stick together, so you would be completely wrong to read that into it, it has no connection.
"We are looking towards the future," Fry added. "Everyone wants to reach an agreement. If we can and to have an 11th team is good for everyone so I think Bernie is working on the assumption that we are going to somehow reach an agreement.
"And if we have an 11th team that is fantastic, because really we would like 12. So to have another one and one that would appear to be a credible entry, is good for Formula One."
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Teams | Honda Racing F1 Team |
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of car-racing titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
