Honda will put its updated Formula 1 power unit through its paces this week, ahead of its mooted debut after the summer break.
The Japanese giants have been placed firmly under the microscope amid a so far wretched return to F1, as engine manufacturer to Aston Martin.
Its power unit is significantly slower than that of its rivals, leaving the Silverstone-based squad languishing at the back of the field, having been midfield contenders over the last few seasons.
Having naturally qualified for the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities [ADUO] scheme as per this year’s new technical regulations, Honda has been hard at work to produce a significant amount of extra horsepower.
Aston debuted its own upgrades package in Hungary, the B-spec AMR26 showing some clear improvements through aero changes, which it hopes will be successfully accompanied by the new Honda upgrades.
Speaking after the race at the Hungaroring, its trackside chief, Shintaro Orihara, confirmed that a filming day test, also at the same circuit, will be its debut outing ahead of its scheduled first appearance in Zandvoort.
“In Hungary, we have been supporting the team with the power unit integration,” he said. “We’ve also been able to collect vital data, which will help us come the next race.
“We will now take the important step of introducing our new spec power unit in the Netherlands. Before then, during Wednesday’s filming day, we will run the new engine in the AMR26 for the first time, before the summer shutdown commences.”
Honda hoping for ‘laptime gain’ from joint upgrades with Aston Martin
Whilst Aston failed to score points in Hungary, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished 13th and 14th, a remarkable achievement given the myriad of problems the car has faced since its debut in Melbourne.
Orihara intimated the result was a springboard full of confidence that it will carry into the test, and hopefully, the Dutch Grand Prix, when the two upgrades will jointly run together.
“Now we are back to racing the field,” he said. “Then, all improvement is very important to catch up to others. To introduce the new power unit in Zandvoort is quite important, now the chassis is working well. So our power unit should bring some laptime gain.”
The continuing work rate put in by both Sakira and Silverstone sides of the operation has been remarkable, given its starting point.
And even if Aston fails to score any more points this season, a similar trajectory in performance will be considered a huge result in itself.
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