Honda will take "a considerable step" this weekend in Canada.
Like most of the engine manufacturers, the Japanese carmaker will bring an updated 'power unit' specification to the Montreal race.
Rumours suggest Honda's step forward will be as much as 40 hp.
"I don't know the exact numbers. I think it's better to ask someone from Honda or Toro Rosso," said Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley.
"But I think it should be a considerable step," he is quoted by AS newspaper.
Teammate Pierre Gasly said he is looking forward to Honda's power boost.
"I will wait until Friday to see exactly what the difference is," said the Frenchman.
"Sometimes in formula one it doesn't go as you expect, but sometimes it goes better, so I want to see it. But I am very excited about this improvement," Gasly added.
Replies (16)
Login to replyKean
Posts: 692
I have a feeling, and I base this on the "Alonso-jinx" and Honda's positive start to the season, that Honda will have passed Renault by the end of this season.
Camber
Posts: 334
Maybe already in Canada?
Kean
Posts: 692
@Camber, yeah maybe. And Toro Rosso seems to have a good chassi so it will be interesting to see how they fare
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
No, wont be in Canada. Renault will bring about 30 Hp, meaning Honda will at most get 10+ closer to Renault, which will help them get closer, but they are still at a disadvantage. Greater reliability with those extra ponies might help them though. I think Honda can at the very least equal Renault at the end of the season, but will it happen in time for Red Bull to jump on?
reg
Posts: 162
Yawn yawn.
When they do better, then why not say its because we have got more power, good-newsing it will just make them a laughing stock (as usual!)
talktohenry
Posts: 362
Double- Yawn, Yawn, heard it all before!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Here, have some coffee, you two seem veey tired. :p
Major Tom
Posts: 152
Much more likely to be a disappointment if past statement are anything to go by - probably allied to to more reliability problems.
Freguz
Posts: 160
empty barrels makes the most noise, as we say in Sweden :-)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Hasnt been all that much noise though, has it?
michielhimself
Posts: 132
This is sort of now or never for Honda. Red Bull can't postpone their decision for 2019 - 2020 forever ... so if Honda deliver, they get a shot at supplying a top team (unlike when they were supplying McLaren, gnarf!). If not, Red Bull will opt for "safe old" Renault.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Sure is, but I think STR will retain them for another while, even if Red Bull doesnt get them. They will likely intend to retain them at least for 2020 to monitor their progress and to have the option open.
TimberVD
Posts: 42
BBC:
Red Bull's supplier Renault will use an upgraded engine in Montreal but Newey said it was not a major improvement.
"It's about 1% (more power), which is a tenth of a second. So it's worth having but it's not a make or break," he added.
So. Even if Renault was pushing 1000HP, 1% is only 10 BHP. 40 BHP jump from Honda would put them on at least equal footing or not better then Renault.
If Honda now has a reliable MGU-K, RB will go with Honda for sure. Renault has lost the plot now really. 1% power increase is laughable, sadly.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Whats interesting is that Abiteboul claims its a 30hp boost. Im not sure if 1% more power directly translates to 10hp, but if it is, one of the two are lying significantly. If Renault are bullshitting, and Honda are more accurate, that'd be a decent jump, though Im not sure they'd equal Renault that quickly. Its more than 30hp between Renault and Honda still, AFAIK, so even if Renault only boosts with 10hp it'll still keep Honda behind, though the difference will be much smaller. Mind, Honda do seem to have some good reliability, so maybe that'll catch Renault in the long run.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Hm... looking at last year's numbers, it might actually be less tha 30hp between the two... We will have to see, but things will get interesting. >:D
TimberVD
Posts: 42
I think you are right yeah. I suppose we'll never know exact bhp numbers for definite but if Honda's design is the one with ultimately more scope for power whilst staying reliable, it should become interesting.