F1 backs Honda's F1 entry

(01-Oct-98) - Honda's entry into F1 in the year 2000 was as good as
confirmed last week when it was accepted by the sport's ruling power.

The Japanese giant's request for an entry has been voted through by the F1
Commission, and now just needs to be ratified by the FIA World Council.

Honda, who are expected to announce its decision at its 50th anniversary
party this month, will test next year in preparation for a full-scale entry
with its own car and engine in 2000.

Tyrrell driver Toranosuke Takagi is likely to conduct the testing, although
sources say that the company will have two test cars. It is rumoured that
Mika Salo has an agreement to test with Honda as a fall-back in case he is
forced to leave his team.

The test car will be the design commissioned by Honda from race car
manufacturer Dallara although Honda will more than likely design its own
car from scratch for its race debut.

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