Mar. 15 - Honda Performance Development and Magneti Marelli have announced the beginning of a partnership to develop components for the IZOD IndyCar Championship powertrain. Under the terms of the partnership, the two companies will make use of the corresponding R & D resources to contribute to the activities of Honda Performance Development in the IZOD IndyCar Series. It is also expected that the two companies expand the program to include technical cooperation in other motorsport competitions, such as the WEC (World Endurance Championship) and the North American Road Racing. The latter, starting from 2014, will combine the American Le Mans Series with the Grand-Am Championship. "We believe that the partnership between HPD and Magneti Marelli will be a rewarding experience for both organizations - explains Steve Eriksen, HPD Vice President - Magneti Marelli has a solid reputation for excellence in research and development in the field of motorsport, and its ability to blend perfectly with our activities in the field of R & D is remarkable. We believe that the partnership will quickly bring improvements to our program for the IndyCar Series, and will grow with activities in other areas of motor racing."

HPD AND ITS PRODUCTS
For the IZOD IndyCar Series, HPD produces and develops the Honda V6 turbo HI13RT engine. This is specially dedicated to competitions in racing championship on the fastest closed circuits in the world. Seven teams and 12 drivers used the Honda engine in the 2013 season, while the manufacturer will attempt to win its 7th Constructors' Championship, as well as its 10th consecutive victory at the Indianapolis 500, and its 200th victory in the Formula Indy. The direct injection HI13RT V6 engine has a single turbo Borg-Warner and "Drive-by-Wire" throttle technology.