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Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa has defended the manufacturer's concept of designing their 2017 power unit, despite massive struggles so far in the first four rounds of the championship.
The year didn't start well for McLaren-Honda, as the team broke down multiple times during pre-season testing. So far, out of the three Grands Prix that have been held, McLaren have recorded just two finishes - Vandoorne in Australia and Alonso is Bahrain.
"I don’t think we have made a complete mistake,” Hasegawa said in today’s FIA press conference at Sochi. “From last year’s performance, we knew we had to change everything, not only the package but also the combustion so that we try to modify the whole area. And some areas we succeeded, to reduce the weight and get down the centre of gravity.”
“But definitely we couldn’t get enough power from the combustion. So, yes, it is just an excuse, but still we need time. But we don’t think we made a huge mistake. The direction was right.”
Honda has been heavily linked with Sauber in the last couple of weeks, as a 2018 engine is reportedly close to completion. Hasegawa went on to talk about the prospect of supplying power units for another team.
"From the start of this Formula One activity we committed to support this Formula One society. So from that point of view it is duty, if we have to support multiple teams.”
“And also we are thinking it will give us some benefit to have two teams because we will have more data and more chances to make car running. So we don’t deny to have a second or third team.”
Fergal Walsh
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He basically has to defend it, but while its nice that they think they are heading in the correct way, it doesnt excuse the current fitness of the package. Not even four races, and already 5 components basically wasted for Vandoorne.
What I am a bit confused over is the way they headed this year. Honda already had the lightest and smallest power unit on the grid. Why focus on downsizing it even more, instead of focusing on power and reliability? Size wasnt remotely as important for this year, a year with bigger and heavier cars. Its always good with a small engine, if said engine can be about as reliable, powerful and efficient as the rest, but if you cant make that, the benefits a smaller package provide will be pointless.