Honda "satisfied" with engine progress

Honda have declared that they are "satisfied", but not "delighted" with the progress it has made in 2016 with McLaren..

The Japanese manufacturer has made a step forward this year after a poor performance on their return last year, but they struggled on home turf in Japan last weekend.

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When asked if he is delighted with the progress that Honda has made in 2016, Honda's F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa said he was "satisfied.

"I cannot say that we are delighted -- rather, we are satisfied," the Japanese told the French magazine Auto Hebdo.

"We have achieved a lot but we are still far from our goal. The improvement of the engine was good, but not enough."

Hasegawa admitted that he was under pressure this year after taking over from Yasuhisa Arai.

"We do not have an instrument for measuring pressure," he said, "but obviously it was very great.

"The atmosphere was very nervous at first, but now, thanks to the progress made, it's much better. Some results have been encouraging, so now we feel more motivation that tension and this makes a big difference."

Hasegawa revealed that Honda's biggest gains in 2016 was with energy recovery.

"The system is at the level of our competitors, and in some respects it is even better than our competitors," he insisted. "But the internal combustion engine is still inferior."

He also said he was glad to see the engine 'token' upgrade system being scrapped, and he thinks that all of the engine manufacturers will be equal before too long.

"So some extent, yes (there is relief)," Hasegawa admitted. "But although this token system disappears next year, that is not to say the problem disappears -- technological limitations will remain."

"With regard to equality, I believe that in time it will come by itself and should not be a consequence of any artificial restrictions," said the Japanese.

Despite not planning to introduce any more major engine upgrades, Hasegawa insists the manufacturer still has work to do in this season's remaining four races. "We can now expect a much better engine efficiency.

"In the remaining races both cars should get to the final stage of qualifying and earn points, so that we can go into the winter break in good spirits.

"I need more than that, but it makes no sense to set goals too high. I need to make sure we have an end of season that is a good basis to prepare for 2017," he added.