Davidson to race Civic Type-R at Macau.

Anthony Davidson, the Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda F1 test driver, is to race a Honda Civic Type-R at Macau on 16 and 17 November this year in an initiative supported by Honda Motor Europe to bring the success of its production racer to Asia's pre-eminent touring car event.

Davidson will be making his debut in the Civic Type-R, which has already stamped its authority on the European racing scene, both in circuit racing and rallying.

Davidson, 23, goes to Macau after competing in two Grands Prix this season for Minardi in Hungary and Belgium, and will pilot a JAS Motorsport-prepared Civic Type-R. Civic Type-Rs have competed in both touring races and rallies across Europe and Asia, with 10 championship wins this season including success in the production class of the British Touring Car Championship, the Portuguese Touring Car Championship and a class victory in the German Rally Championship.

"I am really pleased that Honda and JAS Motorsport have invited me to take part in the Macau touring car race," said Davidson. "After spending so much time in an F1 car it will be good to try something different. I usually drive a Honda Civic Type-R road car, which is a great car, so I am looking forward to racing the touring car version."

Davidson was able to familiarise himself with the Civic Type-R and JAS Motorsport team during a preparatory test at Vairano in Italy last Friday (25 October). "It was very different to what I am used to," he reflected. "The car has front-wheel-drive and the weight is high up, so the roll of the car was a strange feeling. It requires a completely different driving skill to the single-seaters I usually drive."

"We are very happy to have Anthony on-board for this race," said William de Braekeleer, head of motorsport at Honda Motor Europe. "Not only have we been able to support JAS by providing them with a top driver but we also have the opportunity to showcase the Civic Type-R racing developments in south-east Asia, with official blessing and a bit of F1 magic."

Davidson is in good company at Macau, with official participation from touring car stalwarts BMW with J?rg M?ller and Duncan Huisman, Alfa Romeo with Gabriele Tarquini and Nicola Larini and Peugeot with Tim Harvey, while 2002 BTC Production Class champion James Kaye strengthens the Civic Type-R ranks.