Honda to adopt traditional numbering

Taking inspiration from past Honda cars, their car for the 2006 season will be the RA106 and the new V8 Honda engine will be the RA806E, consistent with the nomenclature from their previous two generations of F1 competition.

Honda raced in Formula One from 1964 to 1968 and from 1983 to 1992, winning, as an engine supplier, eleven world titles with a total of 71 race wins. The Japanese carmaker returned to F1 with the BAR team in 2000.

"Over the past few weeks I have been delighted to observe the progress we have made in the transition to Honda ownership," said team boss Nick Fry. "The name change is perhaps the clearest manifestation of the fact that we are now all part of Honda.

"It creates a focal point for the team culture going forward, and with an eye towards Honda's proud heritage, the name reminds us all that we have the depth, determination and resource required to fulfil our racing ambitions."

Although founding partner and former shareholder British American Tobacco agreed to sell its equity in the team, 2006 will see a continuation of the Lucky Strike title sponsorship programme and will continue to form the basis of new car's livery.

Honda said the 2006 car livery will have a familiar feel, but "an exciting new look".