Honda has confirmed that it remains committed to its role as an engine supplier to the NTT IndyCar Series, despite its announcement this week that it was pulling out of F1 at the end of 2021.
The Japanese manufacturer said that it had decided to leave F1 in order to “funnel its corporate resources in research and development into the areas of future power unit and energy technologies” such as battery and fuel cell vehicles.
But Honda is not currently looking at participating in the FIA’s all-electric Formula E championship. And now its North American business has confirmed it will continue to supply turbocharged V6 combustion engines to IndyCar.
- Read also: Honda not considering a move to Formula E
The confirmation came this weekend at Indianapolis when series organisers announced a new multi-year extension to their existing contract with both Honda and Chevrolet.
“It’s an exciting time in IndyCar with the innovations in the car, the new 2.4-litre engine and hybrid technology,” said IndyCar president Jay Frye who called the new deal with the engine providers “phenomenal”.
The introduction of the next generation of IndyCar engine will give the series an additional 100 horsepower, taking it to over 900 in total. It will also introduce kinetic energy recovery systems.
“Fast, loud, and authentic,” said Frye. “Along with a history of innovation, that’s our racing roots and will continue to be the sport’s legacy. This announcement keeps that in mind while celebrating a stable and bright future.”
©IndyCar