14/05/2005
NEWS STORY
In the wake of the BAR fuel tank saga, and the Brackley outfit's decision not to pursue the issue, there has been concern as to how Honda will react, and whether there might be a question mark over the company's involvement in F1.
Takeo Fukui, President & CEO of the Honda Motor company has issued the following statement, guaranteeing his support for the team.
"Following the San Marino GP, the fourth round of the Formula One World Championship, the FIA issued a ruling which suspended the BAR Honda F1 team from the Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix. We regret that the recent events have caused concern among the many people who support Honda.
The interpretation of the F1 car's minimum weight rule has now been clarified. Accordingly, BAR Honda has accepted the FIA's ruling with the full support of Honda Motor Co. Further, Honda has confirmed that BAR Honda did not act fraudulently.
Motor Sports activities play a very important role within Honda's corporate culture. Through fairly taking on the challenge of winning and by overcoming innumerable obstacles in the process, the experience and confidence gained by all individuals involved when a goal is reached, is an invaluable asset to our company.
At the forthcoming European GP, the 7th round of the season, our team, BAR Honda will continue to pursue, in a fair and proper manner, victories in the Formula One World Championship.
In all our racing activities, beginning with F1, we will do our best, as we have always done in the past, to meet everyone's expectations by challenging for race wins. Please continue to give us your support."