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Honda has given an explanation about the extent of its struggle so far in 2017. The signs are growing stronger by the day that McLaren has now decided to dump its hapless engine supplier mid-contract.
"We have not managed to get the right conditions on the test bench," Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa said. "Now we need to understand why there is a difference between the test bench and the track," he is quoted by Osterreich newspaper.
Some think dumping Honda, and switching to customer Mercedes power, could be a desperate effort by the Woking team to hang onto its frustrated top driver Fernando Alonso. Asked if Honda or Mercedes power would make a difference, Alonso said: "I think it doesn't make any change to my decision."
"I've said many times, a third world championship is still my biggest priority," the Spaniard insists. "I have developed my skills in the last 16 years to drive F1 cars, so it's still the best thing that I can drive. If I cannot succeed here and win this third world championship, I still love motor racing and I will race in any series," Alonso added.
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well yes, they've explained this multiple times, and its a fatal flaw. If the test bench doesnt work, your data will not be representative of actual performance, meaning the data collected from such workbench similations is more or less useless.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I think Alonso could definitely be persuaded if they switch to Mercedes. In spite of all that has happened the last 3 years, I think Alonso genuinely likes to be a McLaren. More importantly, it is likely to be the best chance to challenge for a championship.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, he has said so earlier, and I certainly think a Mercedes engine would convince him. Its literally the best package on the grid, the only thing that can go wrong would be if Mclaren screw up on the chassis side of things. Either way, they would at least be competitive again, and Im sure Alonso wouldnt mind that. If he can push the MCL32 into points positions, I think he could push a Mercedes powered car into podium positions.