11/07/2013
NEWS STORY
Honda, which returns to F1 as an engine supplier in 2015, is to establish a UK base in Milton Keynes, home also to Red Bull.
While the development and manufacture of the new turbo powerplants will take place at the company's Research and Development Centre in Tochigi in Japan, the European racing operation centre, where the units will be rebuilt and maintained, will operate out of Milton Keynes in a facility currently being used by Mugen, where Honda plans to start operations from June 2014.
According to the company it was important to establish a European facility to support its racing operation and the UK is an ideal location as it is the home not only of McLaren, but many F1 suppliers are based here and 7 of the 19 (2013) races take place in Europe. Indeed, the UK is a global hub for the transportation of parts as well as team personnel.
"With the confirmation of a new F1 operation base in the UK, our preparation to join F1 has become more specific and concrete," said Yasuhisa Arai, Senior Managing Officer and Director, Chief Officer of Motorsports, Honda R&D Co. "To meet and exceed the expectations of our fans, we will accelerate our development to bring back the unique Honda engine sound onto the track."