Formula One news

Honda decision political - Villeneuve

Former BAR Honda driver Jacques Villeneuve says Honda's decision to pull out of F1 was a political move as the company needed to be seen to make a major gesture to save money in the tough economic climate.

"I don't think F1 is one of Honda's biggest expenses, but with the economic climate as it is you've got to be perceived to be making cuts," Villeneuve told Autosport. "I think it's more of a political decision."

"It's a surprising move because you don't expect teams to leave F1, but when you look at their results in recent years they've been struggling," he added. "From the outside, it does make sense."

Honda has scored just 18 points in the past two years.

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