By Phil Huff (23/08/2004)
August 23 2004

Contrary to reports you may have read on other websites, Jenson Button DID perform some Honda PR work at London City Airport over the weekend, putting his BAR up against a Honda Formula 225 Powerboat and a Honda Superbike. Lining up were top pilots from each discipline, with Lucky Strike BAR Honda being represented by Jenson Button in last years BAR005. Multiple World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis piloted the Honda Formula 4-Stroke 225hp powerboat, while British Superbike contender Michael Rutter sat astride the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade.

"To blast down the runway in an F1 car was a bit surreal," commented Jenson Button, "especially with the bike alongside me. The performance of the two was pretty similar to be honest, but Michael can do better wheelies than I can!"

"It wasn't much of a contest, but it was great fun," enthused Steve Curtis. "The boat is built with one-design powerboat racing in mind rather than competition against Formula 1 cars and British Superbike motorcycles and it shows! However, I'm the only person who has space for my friends in the back!"

"It was a really good day and underlines the breadth of Honda's racing and engineering activities," added Micheal Rutter. "It was interesting to get a closer look and understanding of their machinery. I'd rather stick to my bike, though!"

The event was held at London City Airport for Fifth Gear, a motoring television programme broadcast on Five. As well as making fantastic television, it also had benefits for Honda.

"Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer and only Honda has the power to demonstrate its racing credentials on four wheels, two wheels and on water," explained Paul Ormand, Honda UK's Head of Press and PR. "It was fantastic to see our racers come together for a great demonstration of what it means to be Honda-powered."

You'll have to wait until Fifth Gear is broadcast in the Autumn to see the race. Full details on broadcast dates will be available at www.five.tv/fifthgear, but we'll make sure we remind you.