York motor racing driver James Thompson will be looking for another team after Honda's decision to pull out of the British Touring Car Championship for 2001.
Thompson, whose season was blighted by injury, and his team-mates have been left high and dry as Honda Motor Europe announced their intention to quit after six years involvement in BTCC.
"It has been a marvellous six years for Honda in BTCC," said Honda Motor Europe's motorsport manager William De Braekeleer, the team having taken runners-up spot in the manufacturers championship in 1999 and 2000.
"With the Accord being built in Britain it made sense to join the championship in 1995 and since then we have won 21 races and been involved in some memorable battles.
"With the imminent changes in technical regulations we think the time is right to take a break. It is sad to leave the BTCC, but it doesn't mean the end of our support for British motorsport."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article