Honda confirm full grid supply

Honda's chief rival Toyota had been widely expected to withdraw from the IRL a year early before the start of 2006, however they have yet to officially confirm the move. The only other manufacturer in the sport this season - Chevrolet - announced a year ago that they would withdraw at the end of 2005.

Honda, who joined the IRL from Champ Car at the start of the 2003 season, had already committed to the IRL until the end of 2009, but have now accepted they will be the only supplier next year.

This provides the Japanese manufacturer with a huge logistical task of increasing their output to supply the entire Indy 500 field, which attracts a 33-car grid. Honda also confirmed that to achieve the feat they will continue their relationship with Ilmor.

"Providing engines for the entire IndyCar field is a dramatically different role for Honda from that as one competitor in a multi-manufacturer championship," said Honda Performance Development president Robert Clarke. "It is an opportunity that provides numerous new challenges, not only for HPD, but for several departments at American Honda as well.

"Certainly, manufacturing and preparing sufficient primary and backup engines for all 33 starters at the Indianapolis 500 will be a major effort," Clarke added, "and it is vitally important, given our new circumstances, that we treat and care for all IndyCar competitors equally.

"We are confident of meeting this need and look forward to working with the IRL to grow the IndyCar Series in the seasons to come."