Honda Press Release - it's official!!

[Craig]

Just in...

For Immediate Release
21st January 2002

2 pages

Honda Confirms BTCC Entry
Honda announced today (Monday) that it will contest the premier division of this year’s British Touring Car Championship with a pair of Civic Type-R race cars designed to meet the latest BTCC Touring regulations. The Civics will be raced by two British drivers - Andy Priaulx and Alan Morrison - and run by Sussex-based Arena Motorsport, set up by former Formula One team owner Mike Earle.

Honda (UK) was a prominent player in the BTCC’s success during the mid-nineties when the Honda Accord established itself as one of the top contenders for major honours. The company, however, withdrew from Britain’s most popular race series at the end of the 2000 season to evaluate the new lower-cost technical regulations being introduced. The arrival of the latest Honda Civic – and notably its sporty 200PS Type-R figurehead – has presented Honda (UK) with the perfect opportunity to re-enter the touring car fray.

Paul Ormond, Head of Public Relations, Honda (UK) said:

“The Civic Type-R has enormous potential and we believe we have a car capable of winning this prestigious championship. The Civic is built here in Britain at our state-of-the-art Swindon plant and the inclusion of two top class British drivers will not only underline the new car’s heritage but also its profile within the UK market. Whether it’s on two or four wheels, Honda has a superb racing record and this promising new BTCC programme furthers our widespread commitment to participation in major sport championships.”

Arena has past experience of the BTCC after initially running Russell Spence and later Will Hoy in an ex-works Renault Laguna in the 1999 BTCC Michelin Cup for Independents. More recently, Arena ran an Audi R8 for Stefan Johansson in the 2001 ELMS Championship, winning both the Driver and Team titles. In addition they scored points finishes in the three races they contested in the 2001 ALMS Championship at Sebring, Laguna Seca and Road Atlanta where they finished second.

Mike Earle, Arena Motorsport, commented:

“Our group of companies have expanded significantly in recent years and our contracts with a number of leading manufacturers have kept us involved in motor racing. All of the personnel involved have considerable racing experience and competing with Honda in the British Touring Car Championship represents the perfect opportunity for us to capitalise on our in-house expertise and resources whilst also helping Honda to realise its racing ambitions.”


- Ends -

Wahey!

[touringlegend]

Thank god! At least we have no buts now.

[Speedworx]

Good, more cars

[redshoes]

Not really more cars, just confirmation of what was reported as already confirmed.

[Eddie_harasym]

Good to see Honda back in the UK, looking forward to seeing those Civic Type-R's in Touring spec