Honda: “We have made a decision to enter the WTCC”

Honda’s Takanobu Ito has formally announced Honda’s intention to enter the 2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship with the European Honda Civic.

“We have made a decision to enter into the WTCC with the European Civic,” said Honda CEO, Takanobu Ito. “We will develop a totally new engine for this project and we are all excited about starting this new challenge.”

Honda’s Research and Development team is developing a new engine to meet the championship’s 1.6 litre turbocharged requirements, whilst engine development partner Mugen will manufacture and maintain it.

JAS Motorsport will develop the race car based on the UK-built five-door Honda Civic.

Honda are in discussions to enter at the tail end of this season, starting with the Japanese marque’s home round in Japan, followed by Shanghai, China and Macau, with a two car programme planned full-time for 2013.