Mugen-Honda May Remain in F1

Mugen-Honda, the Formula One engine suppliers, may stay in the sport next season contrary to widespread speculation that they were pulling out, team boss Hirotoshi Honda said on Thursday.

The engine suppliers for the Jordan racing team had been expected to call it quits after Jordan decided to switch to the main Honda outfit for their engines.

But the Mugen-Honda boss told reporters ahead of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix that an announcement on a possible agreement with Honda would be made at the season-closing Malaysian race in two weeks' time.

"We're waiting to hear from Honda," he said. "I'm not saying anything yet but we'll announce more details in Malaysia," he said.

After enjoying a successful season last year, Jordan have been off the pace this year, prompting team boss Eddie Jordan to sign an engine deal with Honda.

Honda already make engines for the British American Racing (BAR) team and the deal with Jordan has raised eyebrows in the racing fraternity because it means the same engine makers will be supplying competing teams.

But Honda's F1 project leader Takefumi Hosaka brushed off such concerns at a news conference on Thursday, saying that the makers had long experience in supplying competing teams in Cart racing. "It will not be a problem," he said.

While Honda engines will be used by both teams, it will be supplying chassis exclusively to BAR.

The Suzuka race is traditionally the most important of the season for Honda. The Japanese carmakers own the track and always make an extra effort in front of the home fans.

"We've developed an engine just for Suzuka and finally we should see our top performance for this year," Hosaka said.