Honda launched its third assault on the Formula One World Championship in 2000 after seven years away from the world's top tracks. So far, though, success has eluded it -- despite this year's massive $210-million budget, which -- according to Euro Business magazine -- tops the lot, with Renault second on $170 million, then Toyota ($140m), Daimler Chrysler and Ford ($125m) and BMW ($115m).
At this weekend's San Marino GP at Imola the British-based BAR (British American Racing) and Jordan teams will be using Honda engines. Takeo Fukui, Honda's senior managing director in charge of motor sports, tells The Japan Times why his company spends so much on F-1 at a time when environmental concerns over cars would seem to take precedence over the pursuit of gas-guzzling performance.
JT: What are the aims of F-1 racing for Honda?