Honda Performance Development announced yesterday the conclusion of the agreement it had with de Ferran Motorsports for the testing and development of Acura's sports-car program. Following two motorsports seasons of testing and developing the Acura ARX-01b and ARX-02a for the American Le Mans series, the partnership between the two sides comes to an end.
"Economic pressures have required us to change our plans, so we must regretfully conclude our testing and development agreement with the de Ferran Motorsports team," Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development, the racing arm of American Honda explained the reason behind the decision.
"Since beginning competition in the fifth round of the 2008 ALMS championship, de Ferran Motorsports has contended regularly for race victories, and waged a spirited battle in pursuit of the 2009 LMP1 championship."
"We could never have accomplished our historic dual championships without the dedication and focus that every member of the de Ferran team brought to the program. We thank de Ferran Motorsports for its professionalism and commitment, and wish Gil de Ferran and his team every success imaginable in its motorsports future."
"I have a long standing and successful relationship with Honda, spanning over a decade in different guises. I was delighted that we were able to serve Honda's needs during the 2008 and 2009 Acura sports-car campaigns and it is unfortunate that our relationship could not continue under the current economic restrictions."
"Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Honda for its support and its part in making de Ferran Motorsports a reality and a successful team," concluded Gil de Ferran.
"Economic pressures have required us to change our plans, so we must regretfully conclude our testing and development agreement with the de Ferran Motorsports team," Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development, the racing arm of American Honda explained the reason behind the decision.
"Since beginning competition in the fifth round of the 2008 ALMS championship, de Ferran Motorsports has contended regularly for race victories, and waged a spirited battle in pursuit of the 2009 LMP1 championship."
"We could never have accomplished our historic dual championships without the dedication and focus that every member of the de Ferran team brought to the program. We thank de Ferran Motorsports for its professionalism and commitment, and wish Gil de Ferran and his team every success imaginable in its motorsports future."
"I have a long standing and successful relationship with Honda, spanning over a decade in different guises. I was delighted that we were able to serve Honda's needs during the 2008 and 2009 Acura sports-car campaigns and it is unfortunate that our relationship could not continue under the current economic restrictions."
"Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Honda for its support and its part in making de Ferran Motorsports a reality and a successful team," concluded Gil de Ferran.