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.
 Rubens Barrichello driving the RA106 at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix | |||||||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Honda | ||||||||||
| 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 (Chief Aerodynamicist) | ||||||||||
| Predecessor | BAR 007 - BAR Engineering Honda RA301 - Honda branded Honda RA302 - Honda branded | ||||||||||
| Successor | RA107 | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications[citation needed] | |||||||||||
| Chassis | Carbon 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 | ||||||||||
| Length | 4,675 mm (184.1 in) | ||||||||||
| Width | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) | ||||||||||
| Height | 950 mm (37.4 in) | ||||||||||
| Axle track | Front : 1,460 mm (57.5 in) Rear : 1,420 mm (55.9 in) | ||||||||||
| Wheelbase | 3,145 mm (123.8 in) | ||||||||||
| Engine | Honda RA806E 2,395 cc (146.2 cu in) V8 (90°). Naturally-aspirated, mid-mounted. | ||||||||||
| Transmission | Honda 7 forward speeds + 1 reverse semi-automatic | ||||||||||
| Power | 650-775 hp @ 19,500 rpm[1] | ||||||||||
| Fuel | ENEOS | ||||||||||
| Lubricants | ENEOS | ||||||||||
| Brakes | Caliper : alcon Pad and Disc : Brembo / Hitco | ||||||||||
| Tyres | Michelin BBS Wheels | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable entrants | Lucky Strike Honda Racing F1 Team | ||||||||||
| Notable drivers | 11.  Rubens Barrichello12.  Jenson Button | ||||||||||
| Debut | 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| First win | 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| Last win | 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| Last event | 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| Constructors' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
History
editAlthough 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
editHonda used the 'Lucky Strike' logos, except in countries that had a ban on tobacco sponsorships. The team used the '555' logos in China, in place of Lucky Strike.
Gallery
edit-
Jenson Button driving the RA106 at the 2006 Canadian GP. -
Rubens Barrichello driving the RA106 at the 2006 Brazilian GP. -
Anthony Davidson driving the RA106 at the 2006 US GP.
Complete Formula One results
edit(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 | |
| Rubens Barrichello
|
15 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 10 | Ret | 6 | Ret | Ret | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 7 | ||||||
| Jenson Button
|
4 | 3 | 10† | 7 | Ret | 6 | 11 | Ret | 9 | Ret | Ret | 4 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
References
edit- Henry, Alan, ed. (2006). AUTOCOURSE 2006-2007. Crash Media Group. pp. 68–71. ISBN 1-905334-15-X.
- Racecar Engineering technical review
- ^ "Engine Honda". www.statsf1.com. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
- ^ "Honda's Third Formula One Era" (PDF). F1-forecast.com. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
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