By Phil Huff
January 25 2006

Yasuhiro Wada, President of Honda Racing Development, is particularly proud of the RA106, with the car representing Honda's first f1 chassis since 1968.

"It is up to all the engineers involved in the programme, at the F1 Operations Centre in Brackley, HRD in Bracknell and Honda R&D in Japan to rise to the challenge of F1 and show the world what Honda can do as a fully integrated force," Wada told the media at the car's launch today in Barcelona. "The development of a new challenging spirit and a desire to work together to challenge for wins is at the core of Honda's philosophy.

"Honda has always exposed its engineers to the highest competition in racing as it uniquely prepares them for the challenges that lie ahead," he continued. "We are all excited about the season to come and up for the fight!"

Honda last secured a race win as a constructor 29 years ago, with John Surtees winning the 1967 Italian Grand Prix. Honda then pulled out at the end of 1968, leaving a huge void in the company's history. "The 2006 F1 season means a great deal to all of us at Honda as it marks the beginning of a new adventure and confirms an even greater commitment to F1," commented Wada. "The launch today of the first F1 chassis since 1968 to carry the Honda name is a particularly significant moment."