Honda celebrates its 300th Grand Prix
To mark this special occasion, the Honda Racing F1 Team hosted a celebration in its motorhome on Friday 28 July. Hosted by team ambassador Murray Walker, star drivers past and present joined the party and shared their memories of F1 racing with Honda; notably Jacques Villeneuve, Keke Rosberg and the man who achieved Honda’s first driver’s championship title, Nelson Piquet. Head of Formula One Management, Bernie Ecclestone, also attended.
Fittingly, Honda’s first race at the top level of motor racing was also at the German Grand Prix in 1964. At that time the race was contested on the legendary 22-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit – a baptism of fire for the inexperienced but determined team. Despite the challenge, American Ronnie Bucknum held a top ten position before the RA271 retired with suspension failure after punishment over the undulating surface.
Since that time, Honda has achieved five Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships, 71 wins, 77 pole positions and 173 podiums. At 300 grands prix, Honda is also one of the most established manufacturers in F1 racing. It is this enduring challenging spirit that is the cornerstone of Honda’s racing philosophy.
