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Brendon Hartley was left beaming following the first day of pre-season testing from Barcelona, as Toro Rosso and Honda ran together for the first time. Hartley ended the session seventh quickest with a lap time of 1:22.371.
The Kiwi also produced an impressive 93 laps, the second highest tally of the day. Honda, who has struggled with reliability over the last three years, had a trouble-free day with Toro Rosso, commencing the partnership off to a positive start.
"It was a really positive day," he said. "We had no issues at all but we stopped early because of the weather, it was almost icy conditions out there. Everything felt pretty good from out of the box, we had some test items that we didn't get to complete because of the weather, but getting through 93 laps on the first day of testing was a great start to the campaign with the new Toro Rosso-Honda (partnership).
"Balance-wise, we were pretty comfortable straight away but I still think there's potential to unlock. I'm really happy with how the day went, I think everyone probably struggled with tyres, but doing one corner slow the tyres drop out of the window and it was almost like an ice-skating rink.
"It's quite a challenging day to get the tyres working in the window all the time. I think we learnt a lot and set ourselves up nicely for the rest of the test, probably more so next week when the weather gets a bit better. The driveability of the engine is one of the best I've driven in a Formula 1 car, so it was really positive in all aspects. Absolutely no complaints from me."
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Replies (7)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Not sure how representative this was, but if it is, we Honda fans could be in for a better year.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
It's very positive. I think Honda has tapped into reliability. But that's only foundations, speed is equally, if not, more important.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Laptimes looked pretty good though, didnt they? 2nd best today. Again, likely not representative. But this year, with only 3 units in tow, better reliability could efficiently mean better speed. Especially if they just can upgrade away any power deficiency. Imagine the advantage of not having to take any grid penalties.
Kean
Posts: 692
It's the best start to testing they've ever had, more laps than most and 2nd best top speed. So really good so far. Which is bad news for Sauber I guess...
f1ski
Posts: 726
Well let's see how they do in warmer conditions.
xoya
Posts: 583
McLaren have cocked it up, as usual. :)
Let's wait and see, of course, but I can smell it. :P
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I sorta hope so, and sorta hope. I basically wish for a win win situation: Honda being better off without McLaren, and McLaren doing better with Renault. Of course thats not how life works.