The Honda Racing F1 Team has launched a new initiative to help raise awareness of environmental issues.

In place of advertising and sponsor logos that have dominated F1 cars for decades, the RA107 F1 car will simply feature a huge image of the earth. The new livery is a call to action for fans, sponsors, customers and members of the public to help address global environmental issues.

There will also be the opportunity for members of the public to have their names on the car. Via the website www.myearthdream.com, fans can make a pledge to change their lifestyle to improve the environment and make a donation to an environmental charity. In return, their name will form a tiny individual pixel on the F1 car, which will help build the image of planet earth. Each name will be visible under a microscope on the car and on the website when making the pledge.

“We’re not saying F1 is ‘green’,” says John Kingston, Environment Manager, Honda (UK). “But the fans can really make a difference. If just one per cent of the people who watch Formula 1 were to change one light bulb for an energy saving one, this would save 38,000 tonnes of CO₂ – the same amount of carbon emissions produced by the Honda Racing F1 team over three seasons."

Universal Music, the largest music company in the world, and Pepsico, via the Gatorade brand, are the first global brands to partner the team in this exciting new concept. Existing partners have also embraced the idea and all remain involved with the team for the 2007 season. In addition, the team is delighted to announce that Fila, IBM, Instron, Oliver Sweeney, Perkin Elmer, Showa Denko, TUV and GF Agie Charmilles have joined the roster of team partners and suppliers.

The Honda Racing F1 Team will work closely with global environmental charities to develop Honda’s existing environmental ethos within the world’s most high profile motor-sport.

“Climate change is probably the single biggest issue facing the global community and F1 is not immune from it,” says Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer, Honda Racing F1 Team. “On the contrary, we believe that F1, with its huge global profile and cutting edge technology, can play an important role in not only highlighting the issues, but also playing our part in developing solutions. We hope that in raising awareness we will encourage members of the public to come together and help take on the challenge of climate change."

“Honda constantly strives to be innovative in both its technology and its thinking and to sincerely respond to the demands of customers and society,” says Yasuhiro Wada, Chairman, Honda Racing F1 Team and General Manager, Honda Motor Company. “Honda has always made great efforts to contribute to the preservation of the environment in its corporate activity. We hope this new initiative for Honda in F1 will help to further stimulate awareness and interest across the world for these important environmental issues."