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Honda is expecting another tough outing at Monza this weekend, as the legendary track hosts the next round of the 2017 World Championship. Last time out at the Belgian Grand, the Honda engine in the back of the McLarens proved to be very poor, lacking in speed as it has done for the season so far.
With Monza being another high speed and power sensitive circuit, it is doubtful that McLaren will spring a surprise and produce a strong result. In the build-up to the weekend, Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa admitted that a difficult weekend is in store.
"After a challenging weekend in Belgium, we’re now heading to Italy for our final race in Europe for this season. The layout is mostly long straights except for couple of chicanes and corners. It is a notoriously power-hungry circuit, with some of the highest average speeds on the calendar. With the nature of the track, we will doubtless face another tough weekend."
The future of Fernando Alonso is still unknown as it is the believed the Spaniard will only except a McLaren extension if the team decides to drop Honda for next season. Speaking about the upcoming weekend, the double-world champion has praised the passion shown by the fans.
"Like Spa, Monza is one of those legendary tracks where everybody loves watching cars going racing. With the new wider, faster cars this year, it will definitely be another circuit where we’ll see a new fastest lap and some incredibly high speeds on the straights.
"The thing I love most about Monza is the fans. Even when you’re not dressed in Tifosi red, the fans come out in force and they’re all super passionate about racing and motorsport. The Italian Grand Prix is a favourite for many people and it really deserves its legendary reputation as a magic circuit for race fans."
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
79 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (11)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Naturally, I doubt there will be any points here to grab.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Finishing will be a miracle, cant see the Honda engines surviving the strain
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think they will finish, but they will not be competitive.
Freguz
Posts: 160
How many laps before Alonsoe retire?
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Well he just needs to remember Singapore is next
reg
Posts: 162
Its looking as if Fernando will get his dream of a Merc in the back for next year, but in a Williams and it will only be a customer unit, Indy Car for him must be the only way he should go methinks!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I hope not. I think Haas, Renault, or Force India will become capable of wins before Williams does. Williams has shown no appetite for greatness in over 15 years. Sticking to sub par drivers. Letting the good ones go. No significant investment. No consistency from one year to another. Therefore, I would hate to see Alonso at Williams. Renault will be in much better place.
xoya
Posts: 583
Business as usual then...
talktohenry
Posts: 362
Surely major heads should be rolling by now at Honda, they destroying the brand......
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Heads has been lopped, mounted on spikes and decorated with McLaren f1 car hats. Take a look at Arai for a good example. Both him and the ones working under him were replaced with Hasegawa's team for quite a while ago.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Its best to zip it, and keep heads down while working hard.