Honda RA106
Rubens Barrichello driving the RA106 at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorHonda
Designer(s)Geoff Willis (Technical Director)
Gary Savage (Deputy Technical Director)
Kevin Taylor (Chief Designer)
Willem Toet (Chief Engineer, Aerodynamics and Design)
Mark Ellis (Chief Engineer, Vehicle Performance)
Ian Wright (Chief Engineer, Vehicle Dynamics)
Russell Cooley (Chief Engineer, Transmission and Mechanical)
Simon Lacey (Head of Aerodynamics)
Mariano Alperin [ja] (Chief Aerodynamicist)
PredecessorBAR 007 - BAR Engineering
Honda RA301 - Honda branded
Honda RA302 - Honda branded
SuccessorRA107
Technical specifications[citation needed]
ChassisCarbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension (front)Wishbone and pushrod activated torsion springs and rockers; mechanical anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear)Wishbone and pushrod activated torsion springs and rockers; mechanical anti-roll bar
Length4,675 mm (184.1 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height950 mm (37.4 in)
Axle trackFront : 1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Rear : 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Wheelbase3,145 mm (123.8 in)
EngineHonda RA806E 2,400 cc (146.5 cu in) V8 (90°). Naturally-aspirated, mid-mounted.
TransmissionHonda 7 forward speeds + 1 reverse semi-automatic
Power650-775 hp @ 19,500 rpm[1]
FuelENEOS
LubricantsENEOS
BrakesCaliper : alcon
Pad and Disc : Brembo / Hitco
TyresMichelin
BBS Wheels
Competition history
Notable entrantsLucky Strike Honda Racing F1 Team
Notable drivers11. Brazil Rubens Barrichello
12. United Kingdom Jenson Button
Debut2006 Bahrain Grand Prix
First win2006 Hungarian Grand Prix
Last win2006 Hungarian Grand Prix
Last event2006 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
181310
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The Honda RA106 (originally known as the BAR 008)[2] was the car with which the Honda team competed in the 2006 Formula One season. It was driven by Rubens Barrichello, who joined from Ferrari, and Jenson Button, who had spent three seasons with the team as British American Racing. The year marked the first time Honda had competed as a full team since 1968; since then it had only competed as an engine supplier until taking over BAR completely in late 2005.

History

Although the year was a significant improvement from Honda's performance in 1968 and BAR's performance in 2005, Honda was unable to challenge for the world championship after impressive winter testing form. The car was quick in qualifying but less so in the races. A performance slump mid-season also led to the team parting company with the car's designer, Geoff Willis, and he was replaced by the inexperienced Shuhei Nakamoto.

However, things improved from the German GP, culminating in Button's first F1 win in Hungary. Button was generally the stronger driver throughout the season, and it was felt that he deserved to get Honda's first win in their F1 return.

Honda finished the season strongly with a run of points finishes, culminating in a third-place finish for Button at the final race in Brazil. They also successfully introduced their 2007-spec engine before the season was over.

The team eventually finished fourth in the Constructors' Championship, with 86 points.

The RA106 formed the basis of the Super Aguri SA07.

The RA106 was also the last Honda-powered car to achieve a Grand Prix victory until Max Verstappen won the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix in the Red Bull Racing RB15.

Sponsorship and livery

Honda used 'Lucky Strike' logos in Bahrain, Malaysia, Australia, Monaco, and Japan, and '555' logos in China. In China all team members and drivers, used blue-yellow overalls and clothing throughout the weekend.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Points WCC
2006 Lucky Strike Honda Racing F1 Team Honda V8 M BHR MAL AUS SMR EUR ESP MON GBR CAN USA FRA GER HUN TUR ITA CHN JPN BRA 86 4th
Brazil Rubens Barrichello 15 10 7 10 5 7 4 10 Ret 6 Ret Ret 4 8 6 6 12 7
United Kingdom Jenson Button 4 3 10† 7 Ret 6 11 Ret 9 Ret Ret 4 1 4 5 4 4 3

References

  1. ^ "Engine Honda". www.statsf1.com. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  2. ^ "Honda's Third Formula One Era" (PDF). F1-forecast.com. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
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