Formula One news

F1 less attractive in 2009, say Honda

Honda believe that Formula One as a marketing medium has become less attractive this year, with restricted testing being one measure already taken in a quest to reduce the overall running costs of the sport. The Japanese manufacturer, which left the sport due to economic reasons, is planning not return in the near future.

Honda announced its withdrawal from F1 at the end of last year

With the Honda F1 team becoming Brawn GP this season, the motor company withdrew in December as the global credit crunch showed its first public signs of affecting Formula One. "It was a real shame that we had to leave Formula One," new company chief executive Takanobu Ito told Reuters in Tokyo.

"On the other hand, F1 is becoming less of a medium in which companies can test their various strengths and more of an event with mounting restrictions; there's little room for us to challenge new fields so, bearing in mind the current state of series, I don't think we have the desire to return, even if the economy improves."

Ito also mentioned that, after news of Toyota-owned Fuji jettisoning the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda's Suzuka has not yet been confirmed as full-time home for the race from 2010 onwards.

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