Honda enters an exciting new era in 2001, as it extends its Formula One commitment to develop a 'works' relationship with Jordan Grand Prix. Although Honda only returned to Grand Prix racing in 2000, the company boasts a distinguished pedigree in all forms of motorsport and it is often said that racing is in Honda's DNA.

Ever since Soichiro Honda raced cars in the 1930s, he had been looking for an opportunity to revive his ambitions in motorsport. Visiting the Isle of Man in June 1954, to see for himself what the motorcycling world regarded as the pinnacle of accomplishment, he asserted: "Since I was a child, I have dreamed of building an automobile with my own hands and having it dominate world motor racing competition." He took part in motorsport not just through enthusiasm or even to promote sales.

He believed racing exercised engineers' minds and raised morale at Honda factories. By 1959 Honda began to prevail in its new activities and the company's determination gained respect long before it won a TT outright, but in 1961 Honda took the first five places in both the 250cc and 125cc races.