Japanese automaker Honda is reportedly planning to return to Formula One starting with the 2015 season, as an engine supplier to British team McLaren.
According to a Jiji Press report quoted by AFP, Honda's president Takanobu Ito said the company is considering returning to Formula One. In addition, Asahi Shimbun claims, citing company sources, that Honda has begun developing engines for McLaren.
If the rumors prove to be real, McLaren and Honda will team up for the second time in Formula 1 history. Their previous alliance, which lasted from 1988 to 1992, has resulted in four constructors' World Championships with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost behind the steering wheel.
The Japanese automaker pulled out of Formula 1 at the end of the 2008 season, selling its team to Ross Brawn. The former Ferrari engineer changed the team's name into Brawn GP and won the 2009 World Championship using Mercedes-Benz engines.
If the rumors prove to be real, McLaren and Honda will team up for the second time in Formula 1 history. Their previous alliance, which lasted from 1988 to 1992, has resulted in four constructors' World Championships with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost behind the steering wheel.
The Japanese automaker pulled out of Formula 1 at the end of the 2008 season, selling its team to Ross Brawn. The former Ferrari engineer changed the team's name into Brawn GP and won the 2009 World Championship using Mercedes-Benz engines.