JANUARY 2, 2001

Honda hope to secure Japanese GP

HONDA have vowed to invest in and renovate their Suzuka circuit in a bid to secure the hosting rights of the Japanese Grand Prix after their current contract expires.

The Japanese car company are expected to invest approximately $25 million to improve facilities at the Suzuka, which has come under threat from the Fuji circuit to host the Japanese Grand Prix.

Suzuka has a contract to host the race through to 2006, but Honda's rivals Toyota have said they will invest in the Fuji circuit to bring it back up to Formula One standards and ready to host a Grand Prix.

Honda, who supply engines to Formula One teams Jordan and British American Racing, will face a fierce battle with Toyota to host the race.

Toyota will enter Formula One in 2002 with their own works car, but Honda hope to coincide that introduction with the completion of their re-vamp at Suzuka.