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Honda has hit back at reports its works McLaren collaboration is on the road to tatters. Recently, McLaren did not categorically deny speculation that, in the wake of a dire winter with the new Honda power unit, it has been in contact with Mercedes about the possibility of an engine switch.
But now, the veteran F1 correspondent Roger Benoit quotes Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa as responding: "Of course we are not where we want to be. But our partnership is very strong. We are completely with McLaren," the Japanese is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick.
Benoit also writes that, while Fernando Alonso's trip to Australia was at least smooth, the same cannot be said of championship favourite Sebastian Vettel. The journalist was on the same flight from Switzerland to Melbourne via Dubai as the Ferrari driver as well as Sauber's Pascal Wehrlein. "That's a good start," Vettel joked to Benoit as the plane was delayed due to technical trouble.
There was then another delay before landing in Dubai, meaning the passengers missed the scheduled connecting flight and all trace of their luggage. "It's the second time my luggage has not arrived with me in Melbourne," Vettel shrugged. (GMM)
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Replies (6)
Login to replyWolfgang
Posts: 313
jop. :-) That´s what they thought until that moment McLaren signed Merc Engines..
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Their relationship will only remain strong if Honda can provide a competitive power unit.
Vet5
Posts: 225
Honda need to power another F1 team so they can carry out more testing like all the other teams do, using 1 team isnt beneficial for anyone
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
...keeping Ron´s politics concerning this point in mind.. Honda wanted to supply other teams as well until Ron voted against it..
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Hah not many are interested in engines that have been going up in smoke for 3 years straight. This winter alone they have cycled through what, around 4 engines? all of them dead.
Vet5
Posts: 225
Yup the amazing Mr. Ron D! haha If he allowed other teams back then to be supplied i doubt we would be in the same situation. And agree'd @MCLARENFAN1968, but like i said, if they done it right in the first year things could have been different, THE POWER OF DREAMS and all that yak blah blah blah