For Honda one of the bonuses of its reunion with McLaren is the presence of Jenson Button, who drove for the company in its previous incarnations with BAR and latterly under the Honda name.
Honda always had a lot of time for Jenson, and the thought of leaving him high and dry at the end of 2008 was one of the key reasons why the former works team was allowed to morph into Brawn GP.
He has become even more high profile (and popular) in Japan in recent years thanks to girlfriend Jessica Michibata. He spends a lot of time in the country, and even has a base just a few minutes away from Honda’s Tokyo head office.
It’s clearly important for Honda to have a driver who can make an impact in Japan, and while no one could rcreate the excitement that surrounded Ayrton Senna, Button will provide a huge PR boost at home.
“I know exactly how passionate Honda is about motorsport, and Formula 1 in particular,” said Button in the official statement. “The challenge set by Formula 1’s new technical regulations provides Honda with the perfect opportunity to return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Honda is one of the most experienced and accomplished builders of turbocharged engines anywhere in the world, has always treated Formula 1 as a platform for world-beating technical innovation, and will surely relish the opportunity once again to showcase on a global sporting stage its engine technicians’ unparalleled engineering prowess.
“Equally, I grew up watching McLaren-Honda Formula 1 cars racing and winning around the world – they wrote their own glorious chapter of Formula 1 history, in fact. Even now, picturing those unmistakable red-and-white cars evokes vivid memories of some of the most dramatic and exciting motor racing the world has ever seen.
“McLaren-Honda: I know how much passion, success and pride are encapsulated within just those two words. And that’s why I’m so thrilled and excited about what’s not only a fantastic opportunity for the team, but also a great development for Formula 1 fans and the sport as a whole.”
Adam Cooper F1 
I wonder if this time around Honda will develop a turbocharged NSX which they failed to do in their heyday. The Honda City remains the ONLY turbocharged road car that Honda has ever produced.
good point. here in the states, they’ve lost the plot, going with n/a v6s on some of their larger offerings when everyone else is going with turbo 4s.
Great news for Formula One, the more engine suppliers the better, and given that Cosworth is on it’s way out Honda will find some willing customers. Perhaps their return will spur others to give it a go.