After weeks of speculation, it is anticipated that Honda is on the verge of announcing its return to Formula One, albeit solely as an engine supplier.

The company withdrew from the sport at the end of 2008, not only as an engine supplier but as a constructor, selling its Brackley based outfit to a consortium led by Ross Brawn. Ironically, after years of failure, the new outfit went on to win both titles at the first attempt.

In recent weeks there has been mounting speculation regarding the Japanese manufacturer, mainly linking it with its former partner McLaren, which currently uses Mercedes powerplants.

Encouraged by the new engine formula it is believed that Chief Executive Takanobu Ito will formally announce his company's return to F1 as early as tomorrow (Thursday).

The Japanese manufacturer, which has always admitted to having racing in its blood, first entered F1 in 1964, taking its first win a year later in Mexico with Richie Ginther. In 1968 the company withdrew from F1, a decision widely attributed to the death of Jo Schlesser during the French Grand Prix.

In 1983 the company returned to F1 as an engine supplier, initially with Spirit, subsequently going on to enjoy success with Lotus, McLaren, Tyrrell and Williams.

By the time it left the sport in 1992 it had won six Constructors' Championship, five driver titles and 77 Grands Prix. In 1988, with McLaren, Honda came within a few laps of winning every round of the world championship.

In 2000 Honda returned yet again, this time as engine supplier to British American Racing (BAR), buying the Brackley outfit at the end of 2005.