Honda to reach major F1 milestone at 'demanding' US Grand Prix

Honda will become just the fifth F1 engine manufacturer to reach the milestone of 500 grand prix entries at this weekend's United States Grand Prix. 

From its first entry at the 1964 German GP, Honda engines have been entered into a further 498 races, with the half-millennium coming up in Austin, Texas, in the Japanese manufacturer's latest venture into grand prix racing, with the Aston Martin squad.

Although it is Honda's 500th race entry, it is not Honda's 500th race start, with the 'missing race', as ever, being the 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.

Honda was one of the Michelin teams that day which peeled off into the pits at the end of the formation lap, therefore meaning Jenson Button and Takuma Sato were officially credited with 'Did Not Starts'. 

Honda will join Ferrari, Renault, Mercedes, and Ford-Cosworth in reaching 500 entries, with BMW sixth on the list, despite not having competed in grand prix racing since its 2009 withdrawal. 

Looking ahead to the weekend, Honda's trackside general manager and chief engineer Shintaro Orihara spoke of the "privilege" Honda faces.

"The United States Grand Prix in Austin is always a special event, with a fantastic atmosphere and passionate fans," he said.

"This year, we have the privilege of celebrating 500 races in Formula 1, which brings more excitement and pride to the weekend.

"The Circuit of the Americas is a demanding circuit that combines fast and flowing sections with heavy traction zones. 

"After the Singapore Grand Prix, our power unit and trackside staff travelled to HRC Sakura in Japan to review the last three events and prepare for another triple-header. 

"Our power units have been fully serviced and are ready for Austin, where we will give it our utmost with the package we have."