The agreement between Honda and de Ferran Motorsports ends

Filed under:Honda, Asian, Acura,
Honda Performance Development just made the announcement of the contract conclusion with de Ferran Motorsports – testing, develop Acura's sports-vehicle program. After 2 motorsports testing seasons, developing the ARX-01b, ARX-02a from Acura for American Le Mans races, the partnership ends now.

Erik Berkman, Honda Performance Development's president, American Honda's racing arm explained why this decision was made: 'Economic pressures have required us to change our plans, so we must regretfully conclude our testing and development agreement with the de Ferran Motorsports team'.

'Since beginning competition in the fifth round of the 2008 ALMS championship, de Ferran Motorsports has contended regularly for race victories, and waged a spirited battle in pursuit of the 2009 LMP1 championship'.

'We could never have accomplished our historic dual championships without the dedication and focus that every member of the de Ferran team brought to the program. We thank de Ferran Motorsports for its professionalism and commitment, and wish Gil de Ferran and his team every success imaginable in its motorsports future'.

'I have a long standing and successful relationship with Honda, spanning over a decade in different guises. I was delighted that we were able to serve Honda's needs during the 2008 and 2009 Acura sports-car campaigns and it is unfortunate that our relationship could not continue under the current economic restrictions'.

Gil de Ferran said 'Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Honda for its support and its part in making de Ferran Motorsports a reality and a successful team'.