CART 'disappointed' at Honda move

The Japanese manufacturer has become disenchanted with CART after it was decided last week that the current 2.65-litre turbo engines will be dropped for 2003 in favour of a normally aspirated 3.5-litre formula. Honda announced its pull-out at this weekend's race at Laguna Seca.

"We were disappointed to learn of the decision by Honda to not continue as a CART engine supplier in 2003," said CART's senior vice-president of race operations John Lopes. "Honda has been a valued partner and supporter of the FedEx Championship Series and will be missed."

Lopes went on to defend the new engine rules that have been chosen. "CART is committed to creating engine specifications that are in the best interest of the sport. We believe this matter was of great enough importance that it was deliberated very seriously by all affected members of our organisation.

"CART has worked very closely with Honda, as well as our other engine suppliers, throughout this process and we understand their disappointment in the decision not going the way they were hoping it would."

Lopes added that CART will search for another engine manufacturer to cover the loss of Honda. "We are actively pursuing our engine supplier options and will continue to do so over the coming weeks and months," he said. "We are confident those efforts will develop engine alternatives that will enhance our sport."