Honda delighted to return to classic drivers’ circuit

The loyal Japanese fans that flock to Suzuka each year are amongst the most passionate of all and racing for Honda in front of them is an experience that 2003 Japanese GP race winner Rubens Barrichello is expecting to relish.

"I'm really looking forward to going to Suzuka this year as a member of the Honda family for the first time,” confirms Rubens Barrichello. “The Japanese fans are always so enthusiastic and create a great atmosphere over the race weekend that it will be exciting to hear them cheering for me.”

“Suzuka is a very special weekend for the whole Honda Racing F1 Team because it is Honda´s home circuit and one of our two home races of the year,” continues team-mate Jenson Button. “I’ve had some great support there in the past, especially since I’ve been involved with Honda, and I'm excited about going back this year.”

The team is certainly pumped up in preparation for its home race after achieving its fourth successive double points finish in China last weekend, in which Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello ended the race in fourth and sixth positions respectively.

““We are delighted to return to Japan and race in front of our home crowd and the many fans and friends of Honda,” says Sporting Director Gil de Ferran. “Both of our drivers enjoy the track and have gone very well in the past, Rubens having won there and Jenson having scored points in every single visit he has made. Last year, the venue gave us one of the most exciting races in recent F1 history. Hopefully this year will be no different and our team will be in the thick of the fight.”