Photo: Honda Japan

Honda planning 2013 WTCC entry

Honda are targeting a return to the WTCC in 2013, and hope to be out as soon as this year at Suzuka with a Honda Civic, which will be prepared by Italian Honda specialists JAS Motorsport.

This is the latest indication from the Japanese manufacturer that it will enter the WTCC with a works programme for the first time. JAS Motorsport previously ran the Honda Accord in the 2005-2006 seasons as an independent operation, as did N.Technology with James Thompson in 2008.

The most recent attempt for Honda to enter the WTCC was with the Argentinean Equipo Petrobras team in 2011 with the Honda Civic, but an engine supply issue with Mugen saw those plans never reach fruition.

Most recently, British Touring Car champions Team Dynamics had indicated they were interested in the entering the WTCC, and were planning to run a WTCC-specification 1.6 litre engine as an evaluation in their Super 2000 Civic, but are now focusing on the BTCC, building the new Civic to the BTCC’s new regulations.

Honda Japan’s plan is to enter the Japanese round of the championship this year on 21st October, before running the full season in 2013. JAS Motorsport will be responsible for running the cars, whilst Mugen will be in charge of engine development.