Honda set for milestone race at Hockenheim.

Honda will compete in their 300th grand prix in Germany this weekend, when Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello pilot the RA106's in Sunday's race.

Honda first entered Formula One in 1964 as a works team. Since then, Honda has been involved in three generations of F1 participation: 1964-1968 as the initial works team, 1983-1992 as an engine supplier and from 2000 supplying engines to the then BAR-Honda and Jordan teams, before taking 100 per cent ownership of the Honda Racing F1 team for the 2006 season.

"Hockenheim is one of the more historic circuits that we go to, and it is quite appropriate that we celebrate our 300th GP at such a venue," said Honda sporting director, Gil de Ferran. "Although the track layout has changed over the years, one main characteristic remains: it is a track quite conducive to overtaking, regularly producing great races.

"It is an interesting combination of slow and medium speed turns which, like the previous few races, will provide many challenges for us to cope with, particularly temperature and stresses on the rear tyres.

"Both our drivers have done well there in the past, and so has our car, which is always positive. We were encouraged by the test in Jerez last week and it seems that we have made a step in the right direction. Hopefully these results will translate well for the weekend."

Honda will host a special party in the F1 paddock on Friday evening to celebrate their 300th race, with drivers' past and present set to attend.

To date, in over forty years of F1 participation, Honda have won 71 races, taken 173 podiums and 77 pole positions, significantly of course though, they have yet to win with their Brackley-based operation. Indeed their form of late has been pretty dire and whether or not they will have much to celebrate on Sunday, remains to be seen.