17 May 2013

Honda set to return to Formula One

5:02 am on 17 May 2013

Honda is set to return to Formula One in 2015 as McLaren engine partners, replacing Mercedes - according to Japanese media reports.

The Japanese car maker quit the sport at the end of 2008, handing over their team to then-principal Ross Brawn who went on to win both titles in 2009 with Mercedes-powered Brawn GP.

Honda is reportedly due to make an official announcement this week.

Formula One is set to introduce a new 1.6 litre V6 engine next year aided by high-power turbo technology with energy recovery systems.

McLaren are committed to using engines made by Mercedes, their former shareholders, next year but have not revealed their plans for beyond that date.

The link-up with McLaren, the second most successful team in the sport after Ferrari in terms of race wins and drivers' titles, would revive one of the greatest Formula One partnerships.