[Team] Honda's selling ... but who's buying? [HUGE MERGE]

[Down F0rce]

The (usually very credible) site GrandPrix.com is reporting that Honda are going to sell their F1 team - if it is not sold by Christmas then it will be shut down.

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21017.html

[johntt]

Thats a bit of shock news!

You would think that they are about to make a big leap what with having Ross Brawn on board and putting so much effort into the 2009 car, and potentially getting some proper sponsorship if they were to sign Bruno Senna.

Hope its not true.

[Glen]

Oh dear - that's curtains for them. Ross Brawn and JB looking for jobs?

[Pingguest]

I think Honda's withdrawal is inevitable. Honda spends more than US$500 million a year. Given Honda's performances in the past few years, there's simply no justification for the company to be in Formula 1 any more.

[Andrew Kitson]

Will Toyota go next? same reasons..

[jonm2]

wow this could be big

[Andrew Kitson]

Sadly, it looks likely:

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=36685

[wapomumalo]

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=36685

This news says Honda completely leaving also as engine manucaturer.

I heard last year that Peugeot were applying for an F1 entry or buying Toro Rosso, + keeping the Ferrari engine... rebadged as Peugeot...+ Jean Todt coming back with the Lion.

Maybe this is the last twist to that rumour? Honda says it has Two possible buyers.

Todt-Brawn-Peugeot-Ferrari F1?

And Barrichello an Senna as drivers...

Sounds stonishing...

[Naruto]

i never would think they would leave for a while.

[strider]

I truly hope the worst does not happen, but I think it needed something like this to get across to people just how severely the world economic recession is going to hit motorsport, and F1, as the biggest spender, is first in the firing line.

[Bononi]

Wow that was faster than I thought !

[BootsOntheSide]

Sad news if it does happen. Honda have been struggling as a company and have never got great performance or value out of their involvement in F1, so perhaps the timing is logical. The best option for Honda would surely be to remain as an engine supplier, as that gets 90% of the publicity for a fraction of the cost.

[perfectly_frank]

Can anyone suggest a short list of other potential buyers of Honda's F1 programme ?

I dunno;

Prodrive or Campos, maybe?

[bodgit]

looks like Jb won't be driveing next year then

[SALEEN S7R]

Originally Posted by wapomumalo

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=36685

I heard last year that Peugeot were applying for an F1 entry or buying Toro Rosso, + keeping the Ferrari engine... rebadged as Peugeot...+ Jean Todt coming back with the Lion.

I find it highly unlikely that Peugeot will enter F1, they allready have their hands full with their LMP programme. I seriously doubt they will drop a car that is only 1 year old, particularly when they are doing so well in the LMS and at Le Mans, and to be honest I cant see Peugeot doing both F1 and Sportscars.

[naughtymutt]

sky news is reporting that they are pulling out with immediate effect

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by strider

I truly hope the worst does not happen, but I think it needed something like this to get across to people just how severely the world economic recession is going to hit motorsport, and F1, as the biggest spender, is first in the firing line.

100% correct. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. The global auto industry is in complete meltdown. I would not be surprised if most of the auto companies have relinquished their interest in F1 by Q2 next year.

[Super Hans]

Given the circumstances of Honda's (rumoured) departure, it is unlikely that another car manufacture will take over the reigns.

[Down F0rce]

If Honda do pull out, then I think the most likely scenario is that we will be two cars short next year. I cannot see anyone stepping up and buying the team in these economic times, and at this late stage.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by Super Hans

Given the circumstances of Honda's (rumoured) departure, it is unlikely that another car manufacture will take over the reigns.

More likely is Toyota to follow suit...

[Super Hans]

It's early days, but we could be on the verge of a dramatic winter in F1.

If teams pull out and buyers aren't found then we may see the grandees entering teams of 3 cars or more, or alternatively, teams from outside F1 being invited to run customer cars.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by naughtymutt

sky news is reporting that they are pulling out with immediate effect

Quite right.........unfortunately.

No news from the FOTA meeting yet either.

[Icebaby]

Why test Senna and Di Grassi tho and go to all the trouble signing Brawn, as much as i think alot of teams should pull out of F1 due to it not being viable this doesn't stack up.

[Down F0rce]

This decision will have come from the Honda motor company, not the F1 team.

[EdLeake]

Same with most top level descisions, they are kept quiet until the last minute and then dropped from the top like a bomb.