Honda planning engine performance upgrade

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Honda is hard at work with a planned increase of the power levels of its engine, with an upgrade expected before June.

Fernando Alonso enjoyed a relative trouble free run on Friday, at least in terms of reliability but Honda's lack of horse power is such that McLaren cannot move up the ranks.

The Japanese manufacturer is now working on a revised engine featuring hardware changes destined to increase output, with an introduction scheduled around the time of the Monaco Grand Prix.

The power difference is big," said Honda F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa, refering to this afternoon's speed trap figures.

"To raise the power it is necessary to raise the combustion efficiency, but to do that you have to change the hardware of the current power unit.

"So I am developing an improved power unit, but it will take some time to complete. I would like to have it finished and in the car within two months."

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It has also transpired that McLaren's drivers have been advised to change gear in a different rev range in order to minimise vibrations, which also impacts lap times unfortunately.

"The vibration was not that much of a problem today. However, there was a little bit at the time of the up-shift, so if we solve that then we may earn a little more laptime."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.