The Honda RA301, which replaced the RA300 in the early part of the 1968 season, was a development of the same 1967 RA300, with the monocoque now reaching to the rear and a further processed V12 engine. The front suspension had also been modified. With the RA301, John Surtees finished second at the French GP and third at the US GP, finishing in seventh place in the drivers' championship.
In 1968 John Surtees was in his second year with Surtees. The season started with the RA300 and continued with the RA301 V12. In France, in Rouen, he qualified in seventh place and finished second, his best result of the season. With 12 points, Surtees ranked 7th in the drivers' championship.
In the history of static modeling, Spark has truly revolutionized the market. The brand was created by Hugues Ripert, whose father André had been one of the main contenders of the artisanal modeling scene in the 70s and 80s. After working for Vitesse, Quartzo and Ixo, Ripert jr did not choose the diecast technique but opted for resin, with production in China but development and conception strictly in the European tradition. In practice the idea was to offer special models built in small series (what were later called "resincast"). The first Sparks were released in 2000, with a quality-price ratio unapproachable for most industrial and artisanal producers. Today Spark continues to churn out dozens of new products a year, having also expanded its production to other scales, such as 1:18 but also 1:64. There are numerous numbered and limited series for the various national distributors and for private customers such as teams, sponsors, drivers and so on.