Honda will study "precious" test data in summer break

McLaren-Honda participated in a productive two-day test at the Hungaroring this week, which saw Stoffel Vandoorne and Lando Norris take driving duties. As the Honda power unit has continued to provide McLaren with unreliability and a lack of pace for a third consecutive year, the two parties took the opportunity to trial brand new engine parts that they hope will improve the project's fortunes.

Said trials gave Honda valuable information to analyse before the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August - according to its principal engineer, Satoshi Nakamura, this is all thanks to the runs made by Norris in the MCL32, which greatly impressed everyone in the team.

"The team fitted some new elements after the lunch break on day two which slightly delayed our return to the track," Nakamura said. "However, Lando still managed to complete 91 laps in his first outing behind the wheel of the MCL32. We were also able to collect precious data for further improvement of both performance and reliability, in readiness for a good start to the second half of the season.

"The team now goes into the summer break; a chance to take a breath and replenish the reserves after a tough first half of the year, before we gear up again for the remainder of the season. Having finished a positive race and test here in Hungary, we're also really looking forward to getting back on track in Spa-Francorchamps to show competitive pace there."

Mason Hawker