McLaren and Honda are considering the extension of their Formula 1 partnership to road car development.
Honda has signed a partnership deal with McLaren as engine supplier in Formula One Racing for 2015. The partnership marks the return of Honda into the racing arena after quitting the sport back in 2009 due to poor results. A re-alliance with the British racing team will reignite the long aborted partnership that won four world drivers' titles from 1988 to 1991.
McLaren and Honda are also considering options to extend their partnership beyond the multi-turn racing circuits. According to a report from UK's AutoCar, both companies have expressed their interest in developing future road cars, but will currently focus on winning the F1 title.
"The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders," Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited, said in a statement in May. "But it's a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we have a great legacy - and we're utterly committed to maintaining it."
The road car project is in the talks phase as both companies are yet to finalize the decision. But keeping the option available, the project will reap great benefits for both manufacturers. A joint statement released by Honda and McLaren emphasizes that the sole focus is to give 100 percent commitment to win in F1, reports AutoCar.
The future road car project is unlikely to happen anytime soon as Honda is already working on the Porsche 911, called the P13.
