Honda chairman and F1 return architect steps down

Six years after pulling out of Formula 1, Honda back and is once again making headlines but for all the wrong reasons.

In the midst of an horror run of technical trouble as McLaren struggles to run the new works turbo V6, star driver Fernando Alonso looks set to spend a second night in hospital.

Marca, reports that a champion of Honda's return to Formula 1, president and chief executive Takanobu Ito (above left), will step down.

The report said Ito, an "architect of Honda's return to formula one", has succumbed to the pressure of a scandal that has cost the carmaker millions due to the need to recall road cars with faulty airbags.

"The Japanese (Ito) was present at all events and official presentations of McLaren-Honda in recent months," said Marca, "and despite all the early problems with the new engine was among the most optimistic about the development of the project.

"Takanobu Ito was also one of the main supporters of the signing of Fernando Alonso," the report added.