Honda R&D boss wants F1 return

Honda could be set to return to Formula 1 in 2014 after its R&D boss, Yoshiharu Yamamoto, admitted a desire to compete again.

Yamamoto explained they would need rules to change in order to lure them back into the fold. And guess what, the rules are changing in 2014, with the introduction of turbocharged V6 engines.

Speaking to Autocar Yamamoto said: “On a personal level I love racing, but there is a lot involved when you are in F1—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, 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.”

Honda is embracing turbocharged engines for its future road cars, so the attraction to the new F1 engine rules is easy to see. Already, Honda has committed to the World Touring Car Championship with a 1.6 litre turbo engine.

However, Yamamoto thinks it may take a WTCC title before Honda aims for the heights of F1 once more. “This is my personal view—not that of Honda—but I feel the first thing we must do is win in the WTCC, and then perhaps we can look further afield,” he said.

Honda walked out on F1 at the end of 2008 amid the carmageddon suffered during the Global Financial Crisis.

[Source: Autocar]