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Honda has started a 'different story' after McLaren

Published on 11 Apr 2018 09:34
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By: Rob Veenstra

Honda says it has started a "different story" in formula one. After three woeful seasons together, McLaren dumped Honda at the end of 2017. The Japanese manufacturer went off to Toro Rosso, which could have been the start of a deeper collaboration with Red Bull Racing for 2019 and beyond.

And in Bahrain last weekend, the chances of that happening increased, as Pierre Gasly qualified sixth and finished fourth -- Honda's best result since returning to F1 in 2015. Spain's El Confidencial quotes a reporter as asking new Honda technical director Toyoharu Tanabe if it is a relief to no longer be subject to Fernando Alonso and McLaren's complaints. "This year the story is different," the Japanese smiled as he answered.

So while McLaren's fans wonder if the timing of the Honda split was right, Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost is in no doubt about his team's move. "This result shows that being with Honda was the right decision," said Tost.

However, Honda's Tanabe said he wants more. "I cannot afford to be satisfied with this result, because there were three retirements and a minute of difference to the first three," he said. "We do not want to say great things now, as there is no choice but to keep climbing steps. Because we aspire to win and be number 1." (GMM)

blade

Posts: 341

Emotions aside, McLaren are a professional winning team , Honda are too - neither could have been happy about the situation. What was piss poor from McLaren however was a total lack of class, diary washing in public, etc etc. Same is true of Red Bull, ego's too big and for me they lost a lot of... [Read more]

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Apr 11 2018 - 23:50

F1 News Pierre Gasly Scuderia Toro Rosso

Replies (6)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
Well said Tanabe.
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- Apr 11 2018 - 09:56
juju_hound

Posts: 180
Respect for Tanabe and his words. Keeping fingers crossed.
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- Apr 11 2018 - 10:09
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
I appreciate Tanabe's respectful ambitious comments. As for Mr Tost... I'll just say he's starting to sound a lot like Ron Dennis. I'm a bit tired of the victimization of Honda guys whining about the pressure from Mclaren. Honda provided dreadful engines for 3 years and Mclaren is a team expecting to fight for wins, of course Toro Rosso it's less pressure. Gasly is promising, but he's no Fernando Alonso.
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- Apr 11 2018 - 21:15
blade

Posts: 341
Emotions aside, McLaren are a professional winning team , Honda are too - neither could have been happy about the situation. What was piss poor from McLaren however was a total lack of class, diary washing in public, etc etc. Same is true of Red Bull, ego's too big and for me they lost a lot of respect for sounding out like they did - piss poor - I would imagine if the shoe were on the other foot RB and Mclaren would have wanted the criticism to be heard behind closed doors. For McLaren especially, there was no apparent consideration for the cultural sensitivities of dealing with Japanese firms, they will be their own hardest critics and it didn't need to public slamming, For all that, I wish Honda and TR the very best of luck, I really hope last week's performance was not a one off.
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- Apr 11 2018 - 23:50
- Madmaz
  
  Posts: 14
  Well said Blade.
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  Apr 12 2018 - 04:17
Madmaz

Posts: 14
I agree. Well said Tanabe. That is an inspiring quote! You have my respect. I’m excited to see the improvements as the year progresses.
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- Apr 12 2018 - 04:17