Toro Rosso has confirmed that it will switch to using Honda power units next season, after signing a partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.
Honda returned to Formula 1 at the start of 2015 after signing an exclusive deal with McLaren, but it has remained off the pace, its predicament accentuated by sub-par reliability.
Honda, though, harboured hopes of convincing McLaren to stay for 2018, and earlier this year agreed to expand its operations by supplying Sauber with power units.
However, Sauber cancelled its planned partnership in the wake of management changes, while McLaren grew increasingly frustrated by Honda over-promising and under-delivering.
Honda therefore faced the risk of being forced out of Formula 1, but it will now link up with Toro Rosso for 2018, as it bids to revive its fortunes.
For Toro Rosso, meanwhile, this will be the fourth successive winter in which the team has undergone a change of power unit partners.
Toro Rosso used Renault power in 2015, before taking up a supply of year-old Ferrari engines for 2016, and returned to Renault for 2017.
"Everyone in our team is very much looking forward to working with Honda," said Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost.
"Ever since its founder Soichiro Honda entered his motorcycles in events, racing has always been a central part of the company’s ethos.
"It’s a very exciting challenge and I hope that both parties will gain a great deal from it as we develop together.
"Honda has a long history in Formula 1, dating back to 1964 when it first entered the sport with its own team and, as an engine supplier it has taken five Drivers’ World Championship titles and six Constructors.
"This heritage, together with the full confidence that we have in Honda’s capabilities to succeed, make me strongly believe that we will achieve a fruitful future together."
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