3rd November - Honda pledges parity for Jordan and BAR.

Honda has re-emphasised its commitment to parity when it supplies Jordan and British American Racing with its V10s next season, but the future isn’t looking so bright for Mugen.

For the 2001 season Jordan will move from being supplied by Mugen, who have supplied the Irish team for the last three years, to the full works engines of sister company, Honda.

It had been thought likely that Honda would use the existing Mugen resource to provide technical support to Jordan, but this has been denied. “Nothing has been finalised at the moment, but Mugen will not be involved at all next year.
“Mugen and Honda are different companies with different criteria and Honda’s aim next year is to supply Jordan and BAR with the same engines.”

Mugen had also been linked to a possible supply of engines to Minardi, but its British base, owned by Honda, is expected to be taken over by the Japanese car giant to provide extra space needed to supply two works teams. Some Mugen staff may also be taken on for the new project, as well as transporters and machinery.