Honda Leave F1

Rumour became fact this morning as Honda confirmed that they would be leaving the sport with immediate effect. The manufacture will support the team as it looks for a buyer, but should none be found by March, we will only have 18 cars on the grid come Melbourne.

Of all the manufactures in the sport, I think it was an easy guess that Honda would be the first to go. Stretching back to the start of last season, I highlighted the issue of not getting a replacement sponsor for British American Tobacco. (see 'Honda Go Green')

The whole 'Earth Dream' concept was nothing more than a gimmick. I thought so then and I believe even more so now. Not having a 'real' sponsor denied the team valuable dollars to fund the team. Running a competitive Formula One team in this day and age requires large wads of cash. So, it is unsurprising, after two dismal years, the Honda chiefs said 'enough'.

But that wasn't the end of the Honda money drainpipe. What about Super Aguri? The Honda assisted squad set up against the uproar for Takuma Sato to have a seat. More money disappeared through the sink-hole before the team folded earlier this year. (see 'Super Aguri on the brink.)

The team quickly gave up on 2008, focusing all their efforts on developing a car that could compete with the new regulations. Honda's best opportunity to save some face after two woeful years and they decide to get out. Even if the team is to survive, one must assume that their '09 preparations will be hampered as they will have to fit a different engine to the shape.

You have to feel for the likes of Ross Brawn, or came into the team at the start of last year with high hopes of bringing Honda back to the top of the podium, or Jenson Button, who Honda fought tooth and nail to secure a few years back.

The decision by Honda comes as teams and the FIA meet to dicuss cost-cutting measures, including the highly conterversial single-engine format.

The whole team at Brackley now face a nervous holiday period as they await to see the future of their team. All expectation of making an impression scorched to cinders in the land of the rising sun.