Alonso not denying McLaren-Honda split rumours

Fernando Alonso has not ruled out the possibility of a split with Honda in the near future, as the Japanese power unit supplier looks to endure another tough season.

McLaren, who are supplied by Honda, have been stuck in the mid to lower pack of the field since the two combined in a deal which took to the track in 2015.

McLaren-Honda suffered a major setback at pre-season testing as they suffered multiple breakdowns and appeared to be overall very slow. Rumours have sparked that the two could split, rumours which Alonso refused to deny.

"I don't know. I don't write anything off," Alonso is quoted by the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. "We are not here to wait four, six or eight races to improve the situation. That's how formula one works -- it's not a charity."

When asked if McLaren should return to Mercedes power, the Spaniard said: "This question is better addressed to the leadership of the team. Of course I am aware of the rumours, but I try not to pay attention to them.

"It's frustrating that after two years, everyone is moving forward and Honda is where they were two years ago. Let's hope we can fix the situation -- I asked the team to react strongly and very soon," he added.

Honda has also refused to take full blame for the lack of speed from the McLaren, with Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa saying increased drag from the new regulations have also caused a drop in straight line speed.

"In the last two days of the second test week, the problems were caused by vibrations of the car," he said. "It was not just a problem with the engine. I think the power is better than Abu Dhabi last year but the drag has increased. And as the tyres are wider, the drivers may feel that the speed has dropped."

Alonso has acknowledged that Honda has made some changes to the power unit since the pre-season test, however some report they hear an odd "bang" sound from the engine on Friday during the practice sessions.

Fergal Walsh