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Honda could fit its much-criticised F1 engine to a 'Super Formula' open wheel car, the Italian magazine Autosprint reports. In its latest edition, published earlier this week, Autosprint said the move could be a way for the embattled Japanese manufacturer to prove its 2015 'power unit' is not as bad as many believe.
The news comes after the recent Italian grand prix, where insiders said an interview session featuring Honda's under-fire Yasuhisa Arai was one of the most 'brutal' in recent F1 history. McLaren and Honda appear increasingly divided, as despite Arai's claims that the engine is better now than Renault's, Fernando Alonso's top speed at Monza was just 338kph -- 16kph behind the leading Mercedes.
And Autosprint correspondent Cesare Maria Mannucci said Alonso's 338 was only a few kph faster than the 331kph recorded by GP2 driver Robert Visoiu. Honda, however, could now be set to fight back against the claim that it is entirely to blame for McLaren's lack of pace. The report said the Japanese are planning to install the turbo V6 unit to a chassis of Japan's premier open-wheeler series, Super Formula, and test it at Suzuka.
Super Formula cars are powered by 4 cylinder, 2-litre turbo engines, but Autosprint said installation of Honda's F1 unit would nonetheless be possible. "The tests would be carried out in collaboration with the Mugen or Nakajima teams," Cesare Maria Munnicci claimed, explaining that the outcome might finally answer the question of "who is to blame" for McLaren-Honda's awful 2015. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (5)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think it is alittle too early for them to call quits on this: Ferrari's PU was unreliable as heck last year, yet this year the 3 Ferrari supplied teams only have 9 retirements this year in total, and the unit is competitive. Give them one or even two more years, then we'll see. What they do however need to change quickly are their hats! I have rarely seen more boring pieces of teamwear than these!
khasmir
Posts: 893
Lol, that's it, blame it on the hats ;)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yup, all the hat's fault! ;)
khasmir
Posts: 893
I don't see what that is going to prove, they have no reference of comparison.
Only way to prove the PU is any good is to put it into another non-McLaren F1 chassis.
For me Arai is still talking bullsh*t and the stubbornness on both sides will only make things worse.
A change is needed, just look at Ferrari. Not saying everyone at McLaren/Honda sucks or the same for Ferrari last year, but a change of leadership can certainly revitalize the whole team.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im really disappointed in Arai, especially since he has a great reputation in Japan. But as it currently stands, it could be wise of McLaren Honda to remove both Dennis and Arai, neither really seem to contribute to anything, to be honest. But Boullier appears to have done a good job, at least he is honest about things, a rare gift it seems.