Fiftieth Grand Prix in partnership with Honda

Dubai, UAE, 15 September, 2020:  Representing Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda, an Italian Formula One racing team and constructor Pierre Gasly reported a historical win of the Italian Grand Prix behind the wheels of Honda’s RA620H Power Unit earlier this month. This is Gasly’s first win in Formula 1 and Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda’s second, following the 2008 victory racing as Scuderia Toro Rosso. It is also Honda’s first win with the current team, and its 77th in Formula 1.

Every year since the World Championship began in 1950, up to the end of 2013, Formula 1 cars have been powered by internal combustion engines, essentially the same motive power as used in most road cars. However, since 2014 and reflecting a move away from fossil fuels, Formula 1 has mixed the power of a petrol driven Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) with Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) resulting in what is a hybrid Power Unit (PU). Massively powerful and highly efficient, it truly is the heart and soul of a modern-day Formula 1 racing car. 

Thanks to its four wins, the Japanese engine manufacturer has taken over the past two years with Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, becoming the only PU manufacturer to have powered two different teams to victory in since the start of the hybrid era of Formula 1 in 2014. 

Takahiro Hachigo, Chief Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said: “Throughout his career, Pierre has shown a spirit of “never giving up” which embodies the challenging spirt of Honda and we are thrilled with this victory. Having started our partnership with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2018, it was particularly special that this was our fiftieth race together. I would like to send my appreciation to all the people in Scuderia AlphaTauri for all their hard work and determination. I would like to thank our fans who always give us so much support. We are only halfway through the season and we will continue challenging together with Scuderia AlphaTauri, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and our fans!”

The win is also very significant as it is the first time that victory has gone to a team outside what is considered the “top three” since 2014.

Oscar Rivoli, Managing Director at Trading Enterprises Honda commented, “Motorsport is hugely popular in the UAE and it is fantastic to see the success of the team with the Honda Power Unit. It was an extra bonus to get the win at AlphaTauri’s home race. Congratulations to Pierre especially for his first ever F1 win, but also to everyone in the team.”