Targeting wins in the R3 rally classThe Honda Civic Type R, developed for rallying by JAS Motorsport, Honda's official partner since 1998, will benefit from Mugen engine power when the latest generation Civic Type R rally car is unveiled next 27th of September . The all-new
Honda Civic Type R R3 will be powered by the well-known Japanese engine preparation firm, which has formed an integral part of Honda's history in Motorsport.
The 'R3' regulations, for two-wheel drive, two-litre rally cars, have been drawn up by world Motorsport's governing body, the FIA, as a blueprint for the future of rallying. Combining high performance with affordable costs, the Honda Civic Type R R3 will be amongst the first of a new generation.
Mugen initially made its name in circuit racing, as the powerplant behind some of the top Formula 1 cars as well as the most important junior categories. Since then, Mugen has been seen on high-performance road cars, motorbikes and even powerboats. The Japanese tuning firm has become synonymous with speed and reliability: an enduring legacy that it will take into its rallying debut.
The new Honda Civic Type R R3 is due to be unveiled at the Sanremo Rally in Italy, round seven of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, and it will be available through JAS Motorsport to customers from the start of November.
JAS Motorsport team principal Alessandro Mariani commented: "The heritage that Mugen brings speaks for itself, so we are absolutely delighted to have such a prestigious and successful firm as our engine partner, that shares with us a common passion and commitment to Honda. With the support of Mugen, we aim to complete the car's development in order to offer Honda rally customers a competitive and reliable package."
Hiro Toyoda, Vice President of MUGEN EURO, greeted the announcement the collaboration with JAS Motorsport with enthusiasm. He said: "The formation of MUGEN EURO, a 100% owned subsidiary of the Japanese parent company, was first announced back in January 2007 at the Autosport International show, with the clear objective of responding to the increasing demand in the European racing and rallying market for fully competitive competition-tuned Honda products, backed up by first class technical support.
"Since that announcement we have been able to establish an excellent engine test facility in Northampton which is now fully operational.
This technical partnership with famous Italian company JAS Motorsport is the first of a number of major steps forward that we have planned. Combining the excellent chassis know-how and experience of JAS in rallying and Touring Car racing with Mugen's acknowledged engine technology is a natural progression for both companies, each having a long-standing successful relationship with Honda Motor Company and its excellent automobiles.
"Together we aim to offer competitors a winning package in the FIA's very promising new R3 rally class, and develop cars and engines for others categories also. We have in common the passion and the dedication to achieve this."
The new Honda Civic Type R R3 will run for the first time under Mugen power on the Sanremo Rally, from September 27-29. The following weekend, it will receive its World Championship debut on the Catalunya Rally, in the hands of former Junior World Rally Champion Dani Sola.
Source JAS Motorsport
