Acura says sports-car prototype operation will continue

So, even though Honda is backing away from F1, they are still working on a the LMP1 Sports Car. My guess is that as soon as this economic downturn starts to rebound we'll see Honda back at the F1 table.For those paying close attention, the stunning news that Honda will quit Formula One effective immediately raises another question: what does the news mean for the LMP1-class sports-car prototype program that Honda subsidiary Acura announced Labor Day weekend during the Detroit Grand Prix?

Attempts to reach Honda Performance Development officials on Friday were unsuccessful, but the company released the following statement:


"It is unfortunate that current global economic challenges have necessitated the cessation of Honda’s participation in Formula One racing. However, Honda’s U.S.-based motorsports activities are expected to continue in 2009.


"Racing has played an essential role in Honda’s history as a company, and the competition that racing provides has always been a cornerstone of Honda’s corporate values. We race to learn, and we race to win. We plan to continue both of those traditions in 2009 and beyond."

However, with the cost of an LMP1 program believed to reach--and exceed--$60 million, the question remains: Does Honda's F1 pullout portend more bad news for racing fans? With Audi announcing on Friday that it will also scale back its hugely successful diesel-powered LMP1 effort in 2009, a best-case scenario for the American Le Mans Series could see Acura racing for wins between its own Highcroft Racing and De Ferran Motorsports teams. Certainly, there will be no Acura vs. Audi all-out factory factory efforts in 2009.


Source;http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081206/FREE/812069997