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Toro Rosso could become the first customer of Honda's engines in F1. That is the claim of the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, who said rumours of the Red Bull-owned team's interest actually dates back to 2015.
But it is believed Ron Dennis still intends to fiercely defend an apparent clause in his works contract with the Japanese manufacturer that guarantees exclusivity for McLaren. That, however, is at odds with a new rule in F1 guaranteeing that teams will not be left without customer deals.
"Last year, as Honda was new, we said they could supply only one team but according to the rules manufacturers must have the ability to supply more teams," Bernie Ecclestone is quoted as saying. "Their (Honda's) problem was the exclusive agreement with McLaren," he added.
Turun Sanomat correspondent Luis Vasconcelos reports that Toro Rosso chief Franz Tost is now pushing for a three-year Honda deal, for the period 2017-20. The Faenza based team currently uses 2015-spec Ferrari units.
Honda appears open to the idea of supplying customers. "We don't have any plans but we have already promised the FIA that we would have the potential to supply a second or third team, so we are preparing that," said the Japanese marque's new F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa. (GMM)
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Replies (4)
Login to replyHepp
Posts: 200
Would be a good move, forcing Red Bull to stay with Renault.
Cloxxki
Posts: 13
It would be a bit awkward of course to see the Toro Rosso outperform with the same engine. Against 2 world champions against young driver (at least this season).
Vet5
Posts: 225
This won't happen, Ron Dennis wouldn't even give an engine to the likes of manor who we all know have the worst car (so obviously won't be a threat) so they won't give an engine to the likes of Toro Rosso.
khasmir
Posts: 893
Honda said from the start that they were always going to supply other customers after a few years. Now it is mandatory so Ron will just have to accept that.
If such a deal with TR would happen it means they get the jump on their bigger brother regarding a PU supplier for the second year in a row.
We all know TR has a great chassis so I'm sure Honda is interested to see how they would perform with their PU.