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Honda is expecting a tough time at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, as the Japanese manufacturer continues to struggle with power output compared to its rivals. While the extremity of the problems may have decreased, Honda is still no doubt the backmarkers in terms of engine manufacturers this season.
Honda's lack of pace and unreliability has badly hurt McLaren, its sole customer. Last time out in Hungary, Fernando Alonso achieved the team's best result of the year, coming home in sixth place - albeit on a track that is not dependant on engine power. Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa is not expecting any sort of repetition in Belgium.
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"After having a short but refreshing summer break, we’re now heading to Belgium to start the second half of the season," he said. "Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most popular and historical tracks on the calendar, is a tough circuit for the car with the long straights and various high-speed corners.
"It’s also said to be one of the most difficult but favourable tracks for drivers, as they are able to prove their own skills and courage through some difficult sections such as Eau Rouge, one of the toughest corners on the calendar. McLaren Honda had a positive wrap-up of the first half of the season in Hungary with a double points finish in the race and also collected some precious data for improvement at the in-season test.
"Now on to the second half, we see Spa-Francorchamps as a challenging circuit for us with its power-hungry features, however we will try our best to have a good race and maintain the momentum we acquired in Hungary."
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C. Sainz jr
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Dang, they they go again, lowering expectations. It's very repetitive isn't it?
To us the famous strap line of another Japanese company, Honda - Just Do It.