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Honda is boosted by the recent performances of the power unit after a woeful start to the 2017 season. The Japanese manufacturer has found its relationship with McLaren has taken a turn for the worse this year, with the team just pulling itself from the bottom of the standings last time out in Hungary.
The turbulent partnership has led to doubt being cast over the future of the deal. However, after a recent implementation of upgrades, it seems the programme could be back on track, according to Honda chief Yusuka Hasegawa.
"I'm glad we were able to show some results," he said after Hungary. "We did not see any problems (in Hungary) so it was the first time that I was not worried about finishing the race. There is no doubt that we would like to continue to cooperate with McLaren. I think that with better performance we will continue to work together," he added.
Aim for fourth best team
Stoffel Vandoorne believes that the team can now aim to be the fourth best team every race after the recent upgrades. In Hungary, the Belgian driver picked up his first point of the season, coming across the line to finish in P10.
"We're definitely improving race-by-race and finding new stuff to make us feel more comfortable and more competitive," said Vandoorne. "Maybe Silverstone was a bit of a surprise to be that high up. I think the aim for us should be to be the fourth best team on a more regular basis, but the midfield is so tight and so close.
"We see it at every weekend we're going to, small details make a difference in how well you qualify and how well you race. We just need to keep pushing in the right direction and hopefully we can show some further improvements for the rest of the season."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (2)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
They are still behind all other engines; ok their last race they finished in points but still way behind the redbull. I am afraid that mcLaren might switch to Renault.
Barron
Posts: 625
Aiming to be 4th best is a sad indictment on this once great team, and shouldn't have even been stated. If they aim to be just 4th best then that's all they're going to achieve. If I had a long sharp stick I would poke Vandoorne for saying that. But there again, he is a Belgian.