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. Honda used 'Lucky Strike' logos in Bahrain, Malaysia, Australia, Monaco, and Japan, and '555' logos in China.

Honda RA106

Category	Formula One
Constructor	Honda
Designer(s)	Geoff Willis (Technical Director) Kevin Taylor (Chief Designer) Willem Toet (Director of Aerodynamics and Design) Simon Lacey (Head of Aerodynamics)
Predecessor	BAR 007 - BAR Engineering Honda RA301 - Honda branded Honda RA302 - Honda branded
Successor	RA107
Technical specifications
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 2,400 cc (146.5 cu in) V8 (90°). Naturally-aspirated, mid-mounted.
Transmission	Honda 7 forward speeds + 1 reverse semi-automatic
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 Barrichello 12. Jenson Button
Debut	2006 Bahrain Grand Prix
First win	2006 Hungarian Grand Prix
Last event	2006 Brazilian Grand Prix
Races Wins Podiums Poles F.Laps 18 1 3 1 0
Constructors' Championships	0
Drivers' Championships	0

History

Although the year was a significant improvement on from Honda's performance in 1968 and BAR's performance in 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.

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.

• 
  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

(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

• Henry, Alan (ed.) (2006). AUTOCOURSE 2006-2007. Crash Media Group. pp. 68–71. ISBN 1-905334-15-X.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
• Racecar Engineering technical review