Ecclestone backs Branson's Honda bid

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON (Reuters) - Entrepreneur Richard Branson is keen on taking over the Honda Formula One team, the sport's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Reuters on Thursday.

"I've spoken to Richard's people about it. He would love to do it," Ecclestone said after giving the move his blessing.

"I'd like it very much. It would be super. We're working to try to make it happen," added the 78-year-old British billionaire.

Honda put their British-based team, who have 700 employees, up for sale in December when they announced they were quitting the sport both as a constructor and as an engine supplier.

(Additional reporting by Kate Holton, editing by Tony Jimenez)