Rutter goes up against F1 Honda and Powerboat.

Honda, who enjoy's success on four wheels, two wheels and on water showcased their machinery this weekend at an unusual high-octane demonstration in London.

Three of Britain's top motor sport stars - Formula 1 driver Jenson Button, multiple World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis and British Superbike 2004 title contender Michael Rutter, met at London City Airport to put their respective Honda-powered machines through their paces.

The top trio contested five 1/4 mile sprint races in the B.A.R Honda 005, the Honda Formula 4-Stroke 225hp powerboat and the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade. Channel 5 motoring programme 'Fifth Gear' filmed the event and will screen the results in their upcoming series, broadcast in October.

However it's highly likely that the Formula one car came out on top closely followed by Rutter's Blade. The F1 car, with it's superior power-to-weight ratio of around 1.5 bhp per kg whereas the blade has around 1.2 bhp per kg, would have a speed advantage.

The F1 car also has a much larger contact patch with the ground, giving it a benefit when it comes to acceleration.

"Why did we do this?" asked Paul Ormond, Head of Press and PR, Honda (UK). "Because we can! Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer and only Honda has the power to demonstrate its racing credentials on four wheels, two wheels and on water. It was fantastic to see our racers come together for a great demonstration of what it means to be Honda-powered."

"To blast down the runway in an F1 car was a bit surreal, especially with the bike alongside me," said Jenson Button. "The performance of the two was pretty similar to be honest, but Michael can do better wheelies than I can!"

"It wasn't much of a contest," laughed Steve Curtis, "but it was great fun. The boat was built with one-design powerboat racing in mind rather than competition against Formula 1 cars and British Superbike motorcycles and it shows! However, as I told Jenson and Michael, I'm the only person who has space for my friends in the back!"

"It was a really good day and underlines the breadth of Honda's racing and engineering activities," commented Michael Rutter. "Steve and Jenson are top stars in their sports and it was interesting to get a closer look and understanding of their machinery. I'd rather stick to my bike though!"