Honda Tests For Future.
Engine builder Honda is scheduled to test at the Welsh circuit of Pembrey this week, and may still appear in Formula One with its own team.
Although the shakedown of the company's new engine is only supposed to be a preparation for next season - when Honda teams up with British American Racing and Jordan - it is also thought to be providing useful information for a possible works entry in the near future.
Engine builder Honda is scheduled to test at the Welsh circuit of Pembrey this week, and may still appear in Formula One with its own team.
Although the shakedown of the company's new engine is only supposed to be a preparation for next season - when Honda teams up with British American Racing and Jordan - it is also thought to be providing useful information for a possible works entry in the near future.
Honda was originally slated to be taking the vacant 12th F1 entry, but pulled out in order to supply BAR and Jordan in 2000. This move is understood to have angered the FIA, but Honda has since hinted that it could be about to reconsider an entry for as early as 2002. This would see the Japanese giant vying with Toyota for a place in the grand prix line-up, as its rival prepares a full works assault for the same time.
This week's test will be carried out by Kid Jensen F3000 driver Nicolas Minassian, and is designed to shakedown engines destined for both the Japanese GP this year and the beginning of next season. Honda, like Ferrari, has investigated the possibility of running a V12 powerplant, but will continue with a revised V10 in 2000. The new engine is already reported to have 100 horsepower more than the Mugen unit powering the Jordans this year.
