Honda Aims for Overall Championship Title at MME
Kuala Lumpur, 22 August 2006 – Honda Malaysia today announced that it would be going all out to win the overall title at the Mme this weekend, after having won the Class A title three times in the past three years. Based on the team’s past performances, the overall title is within reach of the Honda Malaysia Racing Team (HMRT), who are basing their 2006 challenge on the new Honda Civic launched just five months ago.
With all the might of Honda Japan backing them, the team will have the latest technology in engine and suspension engineering, backed by Mugen Power and Team Kunimitsu Inc of Japan, although the base cars are built in Malaysia at the Honda plant in Pegoh, Alor Gajah. With all the modifications in place, the cars are expected to produce in excess of 200 horsepower. Brembo Racing brakes and racing suspension have been fitted for improved braking performance and handling.
Decked out in the Honda Malaysia Racing Team colours of red, white and blue, with racing rims and racing slicks, the two Honda Civics, carrying the numbers 26 and 27 cars are a sight to behold, and must surely be a joy to drive around at full race speed at the circuit.
Said Mr. Yasuhide Mizuno, Managing Director and CEO of Honda Malaysia at the unveiling of the two cars, No 26, and No 27 at the Ascott in Kuala Lumpur just hours ago, “ For the last three consecutive years, Honda was Class A Champion. This year, we are going to defend our class title and challenge ourselves even further – We are aiming for Overall Championship – with a totally new team, race cars built from scratch and use(d) for race for the very first time.”
The cars are expected to cover around 250 laps around the Sepang international Circuit in a time of 12 hours this weekend. Durability of the cars, driver stamina, clockwork planning and quick pit stops will be the order of the day, and even a small mechanical failure or a momentary lapse of concentration will play a great part in determining if one is a winner or an ‘also ran’.
The drivers are drawn from both Japan and Malaysia. Two new drivers to the team, Mr. Shinya Hosokawa and Mr. Rueben Wong will join four returning drivers, Mr. Kunimitsu Takahashi, Mr. Hiroki Katoh, Mr. Eddie Lew, and Farriz Fauzy for this year’s challenge.
Here’s wishing the Honda Malaysia Racing Team best of luck!
