Honda Rearview Report: February 18 – February 24, 2017

"From grassroots competition to the world's premiere racing circuits, Honda race teams are building on last year's achievements as we prepare to line up at the starting grids in 2017. This includes both our global Formula 1 and MotoGP motorcycle race programs and our IndyCar program in North America, now entering Honda's 24th year associated with IndyCar racing.

On two wheels, Honda will again strive to win the MotoGP "Triple Crown" – rider, constructor and team championships. The Repsol Honda team shows no signs of slowing down from its 2016 championship pace. Marc Marquez is looking to repeat his 2016 championship and capture his fourth world championship on the 2017 Repsol Honda RC213V machine.

In auto racing, the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team will have a thoroughly new look in 2017: including an overhauled power unit utilizing an updated architectural design and layout; a new driver, with the talented Stoffel Vandoorne joining veteran and 2-time World Champion Fernando Alonso with McLaren-Honda; and a new, predominantly orange livery.

Here in North America, we're excited about our 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season, which also marks the return of the Chip Ganassi Racing team to Honda power. The new twin-turbocharged Honda HI17RTT V6 Indy engine showed great promise during last week's 'Test in the West' pre-season practice at Phoenix International Raceway. Coming off of his win as a rookie in the 100th running of the Indy 500, Alexander Rossi joins 13 other Honda-powered drivers who will race for the Indy crown and the series championship in 2017.

After a long off-season, it feels good to be exercising our Honda "racing spirit" on the track again. We look forward to the start of IndyCar racing next month in St. Petersburg, and to seeking our fourth victory in the last six years at the Indianapolis 500."

Art St. Cyr President Honda Performance Development