This 2022 season is definitely not trivial for the Honda manufacturer which seems to have taken back control of all its projects initiated in motor sports, to unite it under the one and only HRC banner. A trigram that the world of motorcycling knows only too well and which is entering Formula 1 this year, as we will see it on the single-seater of World Champion Max Verstappen.
It is an event in the history of Honda in competition. Starting this season, the Japanese manufacturer will strengthen its competitive capacity by adding motor racing activities to Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), which until now was only responsible for motorcycle racing. This will allow the company to foster the mutual collaboration of technologies between different sectors, increase innovation and consolidate itself as a benchmark brand that “ continues to share exciting and inspiring dreams and moments for fans and customers around the world“, as indicated in the press release sealing the partnership agreement.
Regarding automobile competitions, during the 2022 season, based on the request made by Red Bull, HRC will support Red Bull Powertrains, providing the powertrain using the technology Honda to the Red Bull Racing and Alpha Tauri teams competing in the F1 world championship. The new logo HRC will be visible on the cars of both teams.
Thus, the single-seater of the current world champion, Max Verstappen, will continue to have the support of Honda. The Dutchman is Honda's first F1 drivers' champion since Ayrton Senna won the title in 1991. Honda is also entered in IndyCar with its engines, in WTCR with its Civic TypeR.
« Since its founding, Honda has grown thanks to the sum of sporting competition, people and technological innovation«
On two wheels, Honda wants to find the path to the title in MotoGP with Marc Márquez but also Pol Espargaró. For its part, Alex Marquez will continue to wear the colors of the LCR Honda team with Takaaki Nakagami. The brand is also present and trials with, among others, Toni Bou, and in WSBK where it wants to relaunch its CBR triple R project with two young drivers from the Grands Prix, Iker Lecuona and Xavi Virginie. MXGP is also there. In addition to all these disciplines, HRC will continue to participate in the most prestigious international competitions such as the Dakar Rally, the World Endurance Championship and the USA Motocross and Supercross Championships.
The Japanese company will also focus on developing new drivers. The Suzuka circuit driving school will become the Honda Racing School to train new talents in the world of motorsport. Collaboration between the motorcycle and auto categories will increase the quality of development programs in each category. One example is the collaboration between Honda and Red Bull to send young drivers to compete in the FIA F2, F3 and F4 categories.
« Since its founding, Honda has grown thanks to the sum of sporting competition, people and technological innovation », assured Toshihiro Mibe during the presentation ceremony of the HRC project for this year. In this year 2022, the company's efforts will also include new challenges in terms of sports competition, to make them more sustainable and attractive for all. Thanks to the technologies tested on asphalt, new solutions are provided aimed at achieving neutrality of carbon emissions and promoting electrification. So here we are in the know.
