Honda Car Forum

For Openers

What are your feelings after this announcement of Acura going to LMP1?

We are satisfied that we could catch up in P2. We think we will be ready
for P1.

Why are you going to LMP1? Is it the wish to fight in the biggest class?

We simply want to compete at the top tier. The ACO [worldwide sports-car
sanctioning organization] wants manufacturers to participate in P1.

We've seen LMP2 cars frequently beating LMP1 entries during the two
last years. Was that a concern when you made your decision?

All competing classes are being slowed, and the American Le Mans Series
values close competition between P1 & P2.

2007-2008 Season

Did Acura's 2007 introduction to ALMS allow you to come back
even stronger in 2008?

It sure did give us motivation to bear down and focus.

What has changed since last year?

Many things... engine, chassis, teams.... focus.

In your opinion, has the competition between your four teams been crucial?

It is a different approach. We want to work towards Acura teams helping each
other to go faster, with more information-sharing.

What is your feeling on how Acura has performed in two years of ALMS
competition? Has the fight with Porsche been a good way to prepare your LMP1
project?

P2 was a way for us to move toward a successful P1 program. We are learning
every day.

Function

How was the transition between [former Honda Performance Development
president] Robert Clarke and you? Do you have the same philosophy about sports-car
racing?

As an engineer, I might look at things differently, but I think we approach
things in a similar way.

HPD was working on the LMP2 car with Wirth Research in England. Will
you continue to work with them on the LMP1 program?

HPD is still relatively new to sports-car racing. We have an excellent
relationship with Wirth Research. We are working well together, and HPD is learning
from a very experienced company.

How did Acura choose Wirth Research originally?

We worked together on IndyCar projects some years ago.

Future

The ACO unveiled its new rules in September. Has it disrupted your
work on the LMP1 program?

Everybody is impacted equally by rules changes. We will react like everybody
else.

Will your car be constructed to conform to 2009 rules or 2010 rules?
Did you consider stopping the sports-car program because of the delay in disclosing
the new rules?

We targeted 2009 some time ago, and were progressing on schedule, so we
decided to announce our entry at Detroit, before the ACO rules change.

Why have you chosen Highcroft and De Ferran? And what will be their
roles?

Both teams have shown their desire, potential, and commitment. We will
ask each team to focus on certain developmental testing, but otherwise, we expect
them to compete against each other in equal cars.