In spite of its last less than impressive foray into F1, the proposed 2014 engine formula could entice Honda back into the sport.

Having bought BAR at the end of 2005, Honda enjoyed three difficult seasons as a manufacturer in its own right, the Japanese manufacturing giant eventually quitting in the face of poor results, the global recession and the embarrassment of the MyEarthDream debacle.

However, talking to Autocar, the company's head of R&D, Yoshiharu Yamamoto, reveals that the Japanese giant is continually assessing the sport and the possibility of returning.

"On a personal level I love racing, but there is a lot involved when you are in F1," he said. "It is the very top of auto racing and that requires a large commitment. But it is true that we do look up at those races and hope that one day we can take part again.

"I do not personally think we can just go straight back immediately," he admitted, "but there is potential for the rules to change and attract us. I follow the rules, certainly, and if they present an opportunity then it would be nice to go back.

"This is my personal view, not that of Honda," he added, "but I feel the first thing we must do is win in the WTCC, and then perhaps we can look further afield."

It is thought that a number of manufacturers, some with previous F1 experience and others 'virgins', could be attracted to F1 by the new 1.6 litre V6 turbo rules and the sport's continued quest for a 'greener' approach.