Honda RA106

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Honda RA106**

Category	Formula One
Constructor	Honda
Team/s	Lucky Strike Honda Racing F1 Team
Designer	Geoff Willis
Drivers	11. Rubens Barrichello 12. Jenson Button
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
Engine	Honda RA806E 90-degree V8
Gearbox	Honda seven-speed
Fuel	Elf
Tyres	Michelin
Debut	2006 Bahrain Grand Prix
Races competed	18
Constructors' Championships	0
Drivers' Championships	0
Race victories	1
Pole positions	1
Fastest laps	0

The Honda RA106 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.

Although the year was a significant improvement on 2005, Honda were disappointed not to be challenging for the championship after impressive winter form. The car was quick on qualifying, but less so in the races. A performance trough mid-season also led to the team parting company with the car's designer, Geoff Willis.

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 podium finishes. 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.

Jenson Button driving the RA106 at the 2006 Canadian GP.

Rubens Barrichello driving the RA106 at the 2006 Brazilian GP.

[edit] Complete Formula One Results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year	Team	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	Points	WCC
2006	Honda	Honda V8	M		BAH	MYS	AUS	SMR	EUR	ESP	MON	GBR	CDN	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