Honda has revealed the first image of the V6 turbo hybrid power unit it is developing ahead of their 2015 Formula 1 return with McLaren.
Progress on the new engine has reached 'prime phase', with the Japanese manufacturer now running full bench tests of the power unit and its connected energy recovery systems.
"At this time, we are unveiling an image of our power unit that is under development - the whole team is concentrating on this development, getting ready for the forthcoming start of F1 participation in six months," said Honda's motorsport chief Yasuhisa Arai.
"In addition to conducting simulations, we have moved onto the next stage where we conduct full-fledged bench tests of the engine while connecting the turbocharger and energy recovery systems. In the meantime, our racing operation base in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, has become fully operational."
2015 drivers
Yasuhisa Arai told Sky Sports News HQ that no decision has been made on who will drive for McLaren in 2015.
There had been speculation that McLaren would announce their drivers for next season at Suzuka, but Arai expects other topics to be on the agenda than the futures of Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen.
“We are constantly talking about which drivers we would like to see and whilst McLaren is here in Japan it is only natural that we organise some meetings with McLaren,” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “But I don’t think we will be discussing the topic of drivers given that nothing is decided.”
Progress on the new engine has reached 'prime phase', with the Japanese manufacturer now running full bench tests of the power unit and its connected energy recovery systems.
"At this time, we are unveiling an image of our power unit that is under development - the whole team is concentrating on this development, getting ready for the forthcoming start of F1 participation in six months," said Honda's motorsport chief Yasuhisa Arai.
"In addition to conducting simulations, we have moved onto the next stage where we conduct full-fledged bench tests of the engine while connecting the turbocharger and energy recovery systems. In the meantime, our racing operation base in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, has become fully operational."
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| Photo: Honda Racing |
2015 drivers
Yasuhisa Arai told Sky Sports News HQ that no decision has been made on who will drive for McLaren in 2015.
There had been speculation that McLaren would announce their drivers for next season at Suzuka, but Arai expects other topics to be on the agenda than the futures of Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen.
“We are constantly talking about which drivers we would like to see and whilst McLaren is here in Japan it is only natural that we organise some meetings with McLaren,” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “But I don’t think we will be discussing the topic of drivers given that nothing is decided.”