Kaltenborn doesn't rule out long term Sauber-Honda deal

Team principal at Sauber Monisha Kaltenborn says that she is not open to a move for a new engine deal with Honda this season, as the Japanese manufacturer looks on the verge of splitting with McLaren.

McLaren-Honda has endured a troublesome season so far, with pre-season proving the 2017 power unit as slow and reliable. Both cars ran 50+ laps at the Australian Grand Prix, but Fernando Alonso thinks they are the slowest car in the field.

McLaren reportedly contacted Mercedes over an engine deal, fuelling rumours that McLaren and Honda will soon split. There were suggestions that if this were to happen, Sauber would receive the Honda power unit.

When this possibility was put to Kaltenborn, she said: "We have engaged no such talks for this season. We have our engine supply and we are going to be there. No, we would not [be interested in such talks]. Our situation is clear and we don't need to change it because others have problems."

Kaltenborn didn't deny that a future deal could happen between the two, as Sauber look to return to up-to-date power. The Swiss team are this year being catapulted down straights by a year old Ferrari engine.

"We are talking," the Sauber team principal said of a longer-term Honda move. "We are talking – we are open with our open with our engine situation and we have a couple of options. We know that we soon have to make a decision and we will, but we are not committed anywhere."

Fergal Walsh