Story status: Strong rumour

It has been reported that Honda will return to the top level BTC-Touring class in 2002

They will field a two car works team using the Civic Type-R hackback model. The news is a further boost to the BTCC after Vauxhall confirmed they would be staying in the series.

Honda last competed in the BTCC in 2000 but pulled out at the end of the season when the new Touring regulations were introduced. At times in the 2001 season the touring class struggled for entries, this leading to the format of the sprint races being changed after the first round. Entries for the BTC-T class however are now looking very strong. Mick Linford, competition boss at Peugeot said "If Honda are competing then that is great for the BTCC. The first year is always going to be difficult. Now people have seen the series can work, it should entice more manufacturers to join.".

There is no confirmation as yet to drivers but James Thompson drove for the Honda works squad for several seasons up until their pull out in 2000 so has to be favourite for one of the two drives. The cars are thought to be being build by Arena Motorsport, who previously competed in the BTCC Michelin Cup for Independants.