Pumping out around 17 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere by the end of the season, the twin Honda RA107's of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello create as much pollution as 18 new road cars.

Added to that are the countless flights between each venue, and each marketing appearance, that will add close to a further 30 tonnes of CO2 to the total. There's also the 60 or so staff that go to each race, and the multiple tests throughout the season, although the FIA claim to have been making the race weekends and official travel carbon neutral since 1997 by supporting the Scolel Te project in southern Mexico. This support offsets the emissions caused by both the Formula One World Championship and the World Rally Championship through various means, including the establishment of tree plantations, growing timber and fruit trees, and protecting threatened forests.

However, Friends of the Earth's Emily Armistead wasn't convinced, telling The Guardian that "there is some irony in the fact that Honda are attempting to promote the environment and calling on others to address environmental issues when they are contributing to climate change by participating in what is probably the most polluting sport on the planet."

Environmental group European Federation for Transport and Environment, also greeted Honda's move with scepticism. "We're not sure what painting an F1 car green will do for the planet - but it sounds rather like the definition of greenwash," T&E's Aat Peterse said in Brussels. "What we do know from our own research is that Honda is far from reaching its EU fuel efficiency target for new cars sold."

Honda are working towards the assigned target, and currently stand in 11th place in the T&E's own table, having achieved 60% of the required reduction in CO2 emissions by 2005, with the target due to be enforced in 2009.

Not helping the cause too much was Jenson Button himself, albeit inadvertently. Appearing at the launch, he advised the media that he now turns off his TV, rather than leaving it on standby. With a 50" plasma screen currently installed, a 65" plasma screen on order, and flying 6,300 miles from Bahrain to the launch and back, the polar bears will no doubt be sleeping soundly tonight.

Honda Racing F1 fans have had mixed views, with both positive and negative views being put forward. One disgruntled user commented that "they only put up a front about this go green mumbo jumbo. I see it as a ploy for attention to the team. Sorry but the sincerity for the cause is not felt," while another user added "It is so obvious Honda's new livery is all about marketing and nothing to do with saving the planet."

Others were more positive about the campaign, with one user saying "[It's] genius. It doesn't matter if you like it, dislike it or are cynical about it, it's a bold, brave and expensive move by Honda."

Even a rival fan backed the plan, saying "I am not a Honda fan , but hats off to their effort. Everyone should be doing their part to save the planet, and many small things will make a big difference."

Summing it up best, however, and spotting the bigger picture, was reader 'itsmin', posting that "like or dislike it, one thing's for sure... Honda have already brought massive amounts of attention to their campaign."

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