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Eric Boullier has admitted that he isn't sure if McLaren will make it to the finish line in Australia. The Woking-based team endured a horrible pre-season test, as the car hit problem after problem.
The issues have caused tension between McLaren and engine suppliers Honda, and there have been talks of the two splitting. However, a process to split and bringing in another supplier would take months, so it seems McLaren will stick with the Japanese manufacturer for another year at least.
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2017 was the proposed year that McLaren would return to the front of the grid, however not only do they appear slow, but also unreliable. When asked if they would make the chequered flag in Australia next weekend, Boullier said: "I hope so but I do not know, we have more problems than we expected. We knew we'd run into some things, but not as much as we see now."
Boullier insists that the McLaren chassis is a good basis for the coming season: "We tried the chassis, downforce, suspension, everything we could to improve. We are still flying in parts for Australia."
But of course, everything revolves around the Honda engine and on that he said: "I do not know whether the Honda engine is good enough to compete with Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, but if that is the case then we will be competitive."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (4)
Login to replymbmwe36
Posts: 533
I'm sorry, but this is getting ridiculous. If I were to guess, he is trying to get Honda to quit with these constant jabs. But the thing is, it reflects very badly on himself and McLaren as well.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Except he is talking about the utter hopelessness of the situation at Honda. Your engine design influences what you can or cannot do with rear packaging. The rear packaging doesn't look anything special on the new Mclaren, so when this turd of an engine doesn't even get to the finish line on reduced power let alone full power, anyone in their right minds will be pissed. Especially since this is the 3rd year running. How many freakin years do you need to get your sh!t together on the reliability side? We are not even talking about outright performance here. Just basic reliability. Honda deserves every bit of sh!t thrown their way.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I really dont think it'll be that bad. Mind you, its good that its free development this year, because it looks like Honda has alot of work to do.
ZUKMAN
Posts: 40
Question is "Can they start the race?". Taking one unit per day they will need 6 of them for weekend.