Honda finalising plans to continue WTCC programme in 2016

Honda joined the WTCC for the first time as a factory entry at the end of 2012, developing the Super 2000 TCT2-specification Honda Civic with Tiago Monteiro as their test driver and Gabriele Tarquini joining Monteiro when the team entered the championship full-time in 2013.

Honda took three wins in their debut season and then one more last year - as well as one with privateer entry Norbert Michelisz.

The squad has secured another two victories this year, with Michelisz adding another win in his home country of Hungary.

Honda is the last of the current manufacturers to confirm they will be on the grid next season, with Ciroen and Lada already committed to the championship for 2016.

“All I can say is, yes, we will be here,” said William De Braekeleer, Honda Europe motorsport manager, to TouringCarTimes.

There could be changes ahead, however, with the full details of the programme still being worked on by Honda’s head office.

“As with many decisions with Honda, it will be made in consensus. There will be people discussing the driver line-up and number of cars for next season,” De Braekeleer added.

Expectations are the Honda will run at least two cars next season, possibly expanding to three, which would match the number of cars run by Citroen Racing and Lada Sport.

Neil Hudson/TouringCarTimes