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Honda's plans to begin supplying a second F1 team with engines are now shaping up. That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, who said the obvious first customer for Honda is Sauber. "The Swiss team has not extended its contract with Ferrari," correspondent Michael Schmidt revealed.
Currently, Honda's exclusive works partner is McLaren, whose now-ousted supremo Ron Dennis was earlier opposed to allowing the Japanese carmaker to sell its power unit to a customer. Reportedly, Honda has completely redesigned its turbo V6 package for 2017, including Mercedes-like 'jet ignition', and a relocated turbine and compressor.
Schmidt continued: "For 2018, the Honda engine will be an option for customers. That is why the Japanese are currently expanding their factory in Milton Keynes, in order to serve two teams in the future." It is believed Honda needs to know its 2018 plans by this year's Monaco grand prix.
But Auto Motor und Sport said Honda's only logical customer is Sauber, who will this year use a 2016-specification Ferrari power unit. "There are rumours that preliminary talks between Sauber and Honda have already taken place," said Schmidt. (GMM)
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, its true that Sauber is pretty much Honda's only realistic customer, with Haas being a sort of Ferrari B team, and I cant imagine the Mercedes-powered teams would like to leave their deals. And I dont think Red Bull and Toro Rosso will go separate ways again any time soon. But McLaren will probably do their best to make sure they will get more attention.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Ron Dennis was short sighted trying to have Honda exclusive to Mclaren. These days the amount of time needed to try out things outside of the Dyno is just enormous. One team simply couldn't provide variety in data or the amount. Honda need even more in terms of sample sizes which can only come from more customers for the engine. Mclaren can be more selfish about it instead by having Honda be directed into making an engine that suits Mclaren's needs and have the customers adapt their chassis design around the Honda engine. Exactly what Mercedes have been doing.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, I doubt Honda will let McLaren get between them and a deal with another team, but as you say, they will probably let McLaren be their works team. I wouldnt mind more Honda teams: more teams=> more data to Honda.