Honda is set to continue with its programme in American motorsport despite Friday's announcement that the Japanese manufacturer is to pull out of Formula One.

Honda revealed it was to pull out of F1 due to the global economic situation, with its Brackley-based team having been put up for sale.

However, a statement issued by Honda Performance Development, the companies American racing arm, said it would continue to provide engines for use in the IndyCar Series and would also continue with its programme in the American Le Mans Series under its Acura banner.

"It is unfortunate that current global economic challenges have necessitated the cessation of Honda's participation in Formula One racing," a statement read. "However, Honda's U.S.-based motorsports activities are expected to continue in 2009.

"Racing has played an essential role in Honda's history as a company, and the competition that racing provides has always been a cornerstone of Honda's corporate values. We race to learn, and we race to win. We plan to continue both of those traditions in 2009 and beyond."

Acura will move into the LMP1 class of the American Le Mans Series in 2009 while Honda's IndyCar engine deal runs through to the end of 2010.