The Honda Racing F1 Team is has announced its first new commercial association of 2006 after concluding a long-term agreement with Snap-on Tools, who also become official tool consultant to the team.

Snap-on Incorporated is the leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for transportation-service, industrial, government, education and other commercial applications.

In addition to providing tool hardware and consultancy to the team, Snap-on Tools branding will be incorporated into the Honda Racing trackside environment and will feature within the race car livery of the RA106 at selected races throughout the season.

Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer of the Honda Racing F1 Team, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Snap-on Tools to our team at such an exciting time for us. The acquisition by Honda has given the entire team renewed momentum and we are optimistic that the 2006 season will be a successful one for ourselves and our partners. We are delighted to be associated with Snap-on as the leading global developer of tools. In addition to the supply of tools, Snap-on will provide a highly sophisticated consultancy and diagnostics service to our team and in particular to our brand new state-of-the-art wind tunnel, which will require the highly specialised precision tooling for which Snap-on is renowned when it comes on stream later this season. We look forward to sharing many successes with Snap-on - both on and off the race track - in 2006 and beyond."

Terry Barcham, Managing Director of Snap-on Tools, said: "We have had a long and fruitful relationship with Honda over many years and we are delighted to form this association with the Honda Racing F1 Team. This will be a valuable showcase for our tools and equipment and we very much hope that our input will help the team towards their best season ever."