2006 Honda RA106

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 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.

Source: Wikipedia (original)