Honda to stay in IRL, motorbikes

Dec.6 (GMM) Honda on Friday announced its immediate withdrawal from formula one, but the Japanese marque's commitment to the US IndyCar Series and premier motorcycling remains intact.

Honda is also closely involved with America's premier open wheel category, but the California-based Honda Performance Development (HPD) told us the manufacturer's US-based activities "are expected to continue in 2009 ... and beyond".

IndyCar team boss Mark Johnson, meanwhile, explained that Honda's racing model in the US series is fundamentally different to F1.

"HPD is charged with making money; it is a revenue-generating company," he is quoted as saying by the Indianapolis Star.

Honda's motorcycling programmes, including in superbikes and MotoGP, also seem unaffected by the F1 decision.

Honda Racing's Neil Tuxworth told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "Car and motorcycle racing are run by different divisions so this will have no effect on the motorcycling side."

Honda president Takeo Fukui, meanwhile, said on Friday the 2009 Japanese grand prix, to be held at the Honda-owned Suzuka, will take place as scheduled.

The manufacturer is also involved in other series, including through its Acura badge in Le Mans racing.

Fukui said: "Regarding other categories, we start thinking now as to what we should do."