The Honda Racing Team had its beginnings back in 1963 with a very significant breakthrough as the team’s early success unveiled the potential of the machines they were developing as well as the talent shown by the American drivers.



If we go back in time through Honda’s history there have been several car models used; some of which have and have not brought triumphs to the team among these we can mention the first of its kind the RA271 (1962) which placed the team at the podium step at the Mexican Grand Prix of 1965. This one was followed by the RA273 but its chassis was relatively heavy; therefore the experts came up with the Honda RA300 which received the nickname “Hondola" by the media due to being partly designed in the United Kingdom. Another model which was used following its predecessor was the RA301. By this time, Honda had total supremacy of the Grand Prix era.

Subsequently to the years of absence from the racing world Honda took a turn to return and re-enter the Formula One territory as an engine supplier for big names such as: McLaren, Lotus, Williams for more less a decade (1983 to 1992). Many stated Honda’s equipment was a solid winning formula to get a championship. Then more recently in 2005 Honda emerged as a new racing force under the name Honda Racing F1 Team with their latest model RA806 which unfortunately did not excel the expectations throughout the season.

For the 2007 season Honda tried a different strategy introducing the RA107 which was suppose to be an environment-friendly machine but its flaws were countless starting with aerodynamic problems besides the lack of speed and pace. These facts made both drivers Britton Jenson Buttona and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello struggle to remain within the top ten.

For this 2008 season the Honda team is ready to put behind all sorts of disappointments by introducing the new model RA108 which was presented and tested just last week in Valencia, Spain. Their main purpose is to keep progressing on the environment pollution-free idea which they assure has marked most of the designs and improvements.

"This year we've concentrated on making the down force as useable as possible. Doing this will have all sorts of effects. The car will slide less, that will save tyres, and that makes a big difference" said New team principal Ross Brawn. There are great expectations for the season to come but only as the cars start racing and gaining points in the world rankings we will know how good the new invention is.