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Honda must initiate work on 2018 engine - Boullier

McLaren's Eric Boullier insists that Honda must begin work on its 2018 power unit now in the aftermath of the team's disastrous opening four races.

For the sceond time in succession, a McLaren-Honda failed to even start a race. Stoffel Vandoorne sat out the Bahrain Grand Prix when his engine was diagnosed with a terminal issue while Fernando Alonso was on his way to the grid when his car simply grinded to a halt.

Boullier labeled the failures as unacceptable, and said Honda's problems are compounded by Formula 1's technological context.

"Formula one at the moment has a downside," he told Speed Week.

"The gaps between teams has increased even more.

"An engine that is more powerful is also more efficient, with better consumption and stability.

"The more powerful engines have all the advantages, and our engine combines all of the disadvantages," Boullier added.

Boullier was mum on the eventuality that Mercedes could lend a helping hand to Honda, as suggested at F1's Strategy Group meeting last week in Paris.

But the Frenchman was adamant that its engine partner must now initiate work on its 2018 engine.

"2017 is still under development," he said, "and the rest is the responsibility of Honda.

"But Honda must start now. Mercedes, for example, already has an engine that will run in 2018."

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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.

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