P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda: Le Mans entry not the ‘priority’ amid F1 2026 preparations
Last year, Honda integrated their Honda Performance Development division into their global motorsport portfolio, renaming it Honda Racing Corporation US. This move opened up the possibility of Honda competing at Le Mans with their Acura ARX-06, a race they haven’t participated in since 2012. Unlike other manufacturers in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, Acura is not concurrently competing in the World Endurance Championship. Acura’s IMSA team, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti, has expressed interest in competing at Le Mans, and Honda has shown interest in proving the capabilities of the ARX-06 outside of North America. However, the blessing of the wider HRC operation and the Honda board is needed for such a program, which has not been given so far. While Honda is not ruling out running the ARX-06 at Le Mans in the future, their current focus is on IndyCar, IMSA, and the development of F1 engines for Aston Martin. Until the F1 project settles down, they will not consider a potential assault on the WEC or Le Mans. Acura will continue to be represented in IMSA by two cars, with WRT Andretti taking over the second entry previously operated by Meyer Shank Racing.
