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Corporate February 3, 2003 |
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| 2003 Honda Motor Sports Highlights |
Tokyo, February 3, 2003 --- At Honda, we are promoting corporate activities with our
global brand slogan, "The Power of Dreams," which expresses our resolve to share the
pursuit and realization of dreams with individuals and society. Motor sports activities
form the foundation of our challenging spirit; through creating our own dreams with a
desire to excel, and through continuing our challenge to create breakthroughs, we
share these dreams and our passion with our customers.
The Three Dimensions of Honda Motor Sports Activities
1. Racing
Honda's entry into the field of motor sports was undertaken with the following
objectives in mind: to share dreams with our customers, to provide global challenges
and help cultivate emerging technology leaders, and to strengthen brand loyalty. In
terms of four-wheeled racing, this year marks four years since Honda re-entered the F1
arena. In that time we have developed a new type of engine, established and deepened
our relationship with B.A.R., and welcomed Jenson Button and Takuma Sato as drivers,
all developments that have strengthened our team and its position. America's Honda
Performance Development has also begun a new technical partnership with Ilmor
Engineering Inc. to supply the newly developed Honda V8 HI3R engine. For the
Japanese GT Championship, Mugen Co., Ltd. and Dome Co., Ltd. are behind an
exciting five-team, five-vehicle development project called the "NSX-GT Project." In
the realm of motorcycle racing, we have had two consecutive victories in the top class
of WGP for road racing and motocross, and we intend to compete aggressively in
upcoming world trials championships around the globe.
2. Providing Venues and Opportunities to Watch, Participate in, and Enjoy Motor
Sports
This year, the first-ever overseas Indy Car race, called the "Indy Japan 300 Mile" will
take place at Twin Ring Motegi. To generate the excitement and fun of an Indy race,
we have incorporated concepts from the Indy 500, which will gives Japanese fans the
feeling that they are part of the thrilling American classic. Starting on April 5, we
present Indy Week, which culminates in the big race.
We will reinforce our support activities so that more people can enjoy world-class
racing and other promotional events to be held at Suzuka Circuitland, Twin Ring
Motegi, and Honda's Safety and Riding Plaza Kyushu.
In other news, the Verno Exciting Cup Integra One-make Race will be held this as well
year. In addition, we will set up various school activities and events that racing fans
can participate in, such as "Concept Meetings," designed to provide opportunities for
people to savor the thrill of competition and drive Honda cars on a race track.
3. Developing New Talent for the Podium at World Class Events
To foster new drivers and riders with the potential and determination to scale the
podium at prestigious events around the world, Honda is providing good prospects
with a range of advice on the physical and mental aspects of their sport. We are also
working closely with Suzuka Circuitland and Twin Ring Motegi to provide top-level
Japanese riders and drivers with opportunities to hone their skills on an ongoing basis.
Honda plans to continue providing programs to develop talent in all categories of
racing. These programs are implemented through various schools, such as the Suzuka
Racing School (SRS-J, SRS-K, SRS-F), races, the Formula Dream Project and
scholarships for Formula 3 youngsters.
(Summary of Motorcyle Racing Plans)
Race Plans for the Honda Works Team and HRC Works Machine
FIM 2003 Road Race Championship Series and the MotoGP Class
In the MotoGP class of the FIM 2003 Road Race Championship Series (known as the
GP World Championship), Honda is aiming for its third straight title*1. Here is an
outline of how Honda plans to meet this challenge.
Last year in the MotoGP class we won 14 of 16 races and took both the rider and
manufacturer titles. This year we will further strengthen our front line by using the
RC211V bike for all seven entries by our four racing teams.
In 2002 the Repsol Honda Team was crowned champion, and in 2003 riders Valentino
Rossi (#46, Italy) and Nicky Hayden (#69, USA) will lead the way in an effort to
duplicate this feat. Rossi dominated last year's series, racking up 11 victories on his
way to his second consecutive title. He is now hungry for three in a row. Hayden was
also impressive last year, becoming the youngest winner ever of the AMA Superbike
Championship Series. His sights are now set on being a champion in the MotoGP class.
The Camel Pramac Pons Team has a completely new roster of riders. Max Biaggi (#3,
Italy), who fought hard last year and held onto second place until the final race, will be
joined by Tohru Ukawa (#11, Japan). Both Biaggi and Ukawa won races last season,
experiences that should help them in their quest for victory in 2003.
Team Telefonica Movistar Honda features the promising young rider Daijiro Kato (#74,
Japan), who, in his first year, made it to the winner's podium on his way to being
named Rookie of the Year for 2002*2. New face Sete Gibernau (#15, Spain) will join
Kato in vying for honors in their new MotoGP class.
The Pramac Honda Team is now led by Makoto Tamada (#6, Japan). Although new to
MotoGP, Tamada, who will ride atop Bridgestone tires*3, took the overall title on the
Japanese legs of the FIM Superbike Championship Series in both 2001 and 2002.
| *1 |
Although designated as 500cc in 2001, the class name was changed to MotoGP in
2002. |
| *2 |
The Rookie of the Year title is given to the first-year rider deemed to have had the
best overall performance during the year. |
| *3 |
The Repsol, Camel, and Telefonica teams use Michelin tires. |
FIM 2003 World Trials Championship Series
Honda will introduce three HRC Works bikes called montesa COTA315R at the World
Trials Championship Series, where Team montesa HRC has claimed the rider and
manufacturer titles for the last three years.
Champion montesa HRC will be led by Dougie Lampkin (#1, England), who has won
the World Outdoor Championship for six consecutive years, Takahisa Fujinami (#2,
Japan), the second-ranked rider who fought a furious battle with Lampkin through to
the final race, and Marc Freixa (#7, Spain), the seventh-ranked rider. This formidable
three man-team will be gunning for its fourth straight championship.
2003 MFJ All-Japan Motocross Championship Series
Last year, Team HRC, part of the Honda Works Team, failed in its bid to take the title
in the 250cc class of the All-Japan Motocross Championship Series for the third
straight year. Looking to regain championship form, this year Team HRC has decided
to use a two-stroke Honda RC250M and a four-stroke CRF450R as their bikes of
choice. 2000 champion Ryuichiro Takahama (#3, Japan) will be atop the CRF450R and
Takeshi Katsuya (#111, Japan) will ride the RC250M.
In the 125 cc class, we are seeking to further refine the four-stroke Honda CRF250R,
and Team HRC has chosen rider Naoki Serizawa (#1, Japan) to challenge for the
championship with it.
Race Plans for the Honda Works Team and HRC Works Machine
FIM 2003 Road Race World Championship Series (125cc Class)
Last year Masao Azuma (#8, Japan) took top honors in the 125cc class of the Brazilian
Grand Prix. This year Azuma will be riding a Honda RS125R (Ajo Motorsports) as he
tries to build on last year's success.
FIM 2003 Motocross World Championship Series
Injuries made for a disappointing season for HRC contract rider Yoshitaka Atsuta (#78,
Japan) in the 250cc class last year. Switching to a Honda CRF450R, Atsuta will once
again go after the 250cc title under the banner of CAS Honda Racing.
World Championship Entry Planning for Honda's Japanese Riders
FIM 2003 Road Race World Championship Series (125cc Class)
Last year Masao Azuma (#8, Japan) took top honors in the 125cc class of the Brazilian
Grand Prix. This year Azuma will be riding a Honda RS125R (Ajo Motorsports) as he
tries to build on last year's success.
FIM 2003 Motocross World Championship Series
Injuries made for a disappointing season for HRC contract rider Yoshitaka Atsuta (#78,
Japan) in the 250cc class last year. Switching to a Honda CRF450R, Atsuta will once
again go after the 250cc title under the banner of CAS Honda Racing.
Honda's Racing Plans for Individual Countries
(Japan)
2003 MFJ All-Japan Road Race Championship Series
Honda's participation in this year's All-Japan Road Race Championship Series will be
centered on teams run by Honda dealerships and supported by Honda Motorcycle
Japan (HMJ).
In the JSB1000 class, Honda will focus its efforts on a racing version of the
CBR954RR super sport touring bike, to be ridden by Tatsuya Yamaguchi (Japan,
Castrol Honda Dream RT), who was last year's series champion, and Ryuichi Kiyonari
(Japan, Team Takatake RSC), who racked up honors as last year's ST600 class
champion.
To continue Honda's winning ways after taking the ST600 class for the last two years,
we have carried out a full model change on a racing version of the CBR600RR, which
is now on the market, along with other innovations to help in the push for three in a
row.
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* |
Starting in 2003, the Superbike class will mainly feature the JSB1000 class and its
accompanying promotion and activation. |
(Europe)
FIM 2003 Supersports World Championship Series
The Supersports World Championship Series will be supported by Honda Europe
Motorcycle S.R.L (H.E.M.), which will deploy eight Honda CBR600RR bikes.
Riders for this series under the Ten Kate Honda flag will include Chris Vermeulen and
Karl Muggeridge, both from Australia. The Klaffi Honda team will send out Robert
Ulm (Austria) and Gianluigi Scalvini (Italy), while riders for the BKM Honda Racing
Team AG will be Christophe Cogan (France) and Parker Broc (Australia). Werner
Deamen (Belgium) and Iain MacPherson (England) will mount the bike for Van Zon
Honda.
FIM 2003 Motocross World Championship Series
As with the Supersports Series, the FIM 2003 Motocross World Championship Series
will be supported by H.E.M. Riders for this series will come from the CAS Honda
Racing team and include Joshua Coppins (New Zealand) on a Honda CR250R, as well
as Gordon Crockard (Ireland) and Jussi Vehvilainen (Finland) on the CRF450R .
(USA)
2003 AMA Supercross/National Motocross Series
The AMA Supercross and National Motocross races will have the support of American
Honda Motor Co., Inc. Five Honda CR250Rs and one Honda CRF450R will be primed
for these events.
The championship American Honda Motor Co. team is led by Ricky Carmichael
(USA), who has dominated the circuit over the last two seasons, taking the series title
both years. Last year he posted an impressive 11 victories in 16 races. Carmichael's
fellow riders include Ernesto Fonseca (Costa Rica) on a CR250R and Nathan Ramsey
(USA) on a CRF450R. Last year Ramsey notched his first victory in his 13th race of
the season.
Riders on the Factory Connection Honda team are Mike LaRocco (USA), Travis
Preston (USA), and Michael Byrne (Australia), all on the Honda CR250R.
(Summary of Plans for Four-wheeled Racing)
Formula 1 World Championship
In Formula 1, this season marks Honda's fourth year of our third era on the circuit and
we have teamed up with B.A.R. to put two cars on the track. This year, in an effort to
generate more power and maximize revs, we have developed an innovative engine, the
Honda RA003E, which is much smaller and lighter than its predecessors and has a
lower center of gravity. We have also deepened our relationship with B.A.R., which
has unveiled a new corporate identity. Together we will announce the development of a
new chassis that incorporates new Honda technology. Drivers include veteran Jacques
Villeneuve (Canada), entering his fourth year on the team, newcomer Jenson Button
(England), and third driver Takuma Sato (Japan). It's an impressive lineup of talent,
and things look good for the upcoming year.
 Participating Team
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Drivers
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| Lucky Strike B·A·R Honda |
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Jacques Villeneuve (Canada)
Jenson Button (England) |
| Third Driver |
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Takuma Sato (Japan) |
| Test Driver |
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Anthony Davidson (England) |
Indy Car Series
This year Honda will enter the Indy Car Series. Honda Performance Development, Inc.
(HPD) has teamed up in a technical partnership with Ilmor Engineering Inc., and we
will place the newly developed Honda V8 HI3R engine into five cars for the three
teams listed below (as of February 3, 2002).
Participating Team
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Drivers
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| Andretti Green Racing |
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Michael Andretti (USA)
Dario Franchitti, (England)
Tony Kanaan (Brazil) |
| Team Rahal |
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Kenny Black (USA) |
| Super Aguri Fernandez Racing |
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Roger Yasukawa (Japan) |
All-Japan GT Championship Series (JGTC)
For the Japanese GT Championship, Mugen Co., Ltd. and Dome Co., Ltd. are behind
an exciting five-team, five-car development project called the "NSX-GT Project." The
car has been designed to conform to the new regulations, is built to the new NSX-GT
2003 specifications and features a transversely mounted engine. The project goal is to
defend the team title and recapture the driver title.
Participating Team
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Drivers
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Mugen Daisuke Ito (Japan)
Dome Racing Team |
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T.B.N
Ryo Michigami (Japan) / Sebastien Philippe (France) |
| Autobacs Racing Team Aguri |
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Keiichi Tsuchiya (Japan) / T.B.N |
| Mobil Nakajima Racing |
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Ralph Firman (England) / Tsugio Matsuda (Japan) |
| Team Kunimitsu/MOONCRAFT |
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Hidetoshi Mitsusada (Japan) / Hiroki Katoh(Japan) |
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