Sauber's Kaltenborn banking on Honda resurgence

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While widely expected, Sauber's switch to Honda power still yields more questions than answers given the Japanese engine's appalling state of affairs.

While Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn understands the reservations and negative perceptions, she also insists that past and present performance is not indicative of future results.

"Nobody knows what is going to be the future," Kaltenborn told Motorsport.com.

"We are absolutely confident that Honda will make improvements and sort out their issues. We are convinced that it is going to happen.

"We were in a similar situation in 2014 where there was big difference in the competitiveness of the engine, but that was no reason for us to start questioning or criticising because we knew Ferrari was doing everything they could, and they did.

"These things happen. Nobody knows what is going to be in six months and we just feel that from the overall opportunities that we have there, it strengthens or fits more into the way we want to go."

Honda to partner with Sauber from 2018!

Sauber is obviously banking on the future and Honda's recovery. A bet which could prove to be a shrewd move if indeed the sun rises once again on the Japanese manufacturer's prospects.

"We will see,” added Kaltenborn.

"It is far too early to say that, in these kind of partnerships as we have also done in the past, you discuss drivers with your partner and you take advice of theirs on board.

"At the end of the day it is the team’s responsibility, so this is how it will also be there. We have just started so it is too early to say there."

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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.