Honda engine supply linked to Toro Rosso

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Despite breaking away from its agreement to supply Sauber next season, Honda is apparently still looking to supply a second F1 team, assuming it continues with McLaren in 2018.

The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed in Hungary it is in talks with potential customers with Toro Rosso emerging as a potential candidate, even though the Faenza-base outfit has a deal with Renault for next season.

"We are talking to teams - other than works outfits like Ferrari and Mercedes - to see if there is an opportunity to do a customer supply deal," confirmed Honda general manager Masahi Yamamoto.

"Meeting the schedule to achieve this for next year will be tough, but we still try to look for the opportunity to do so in 2018.

"If we don't have a customer team, we want to continue with McLaren and then take on a customer team in addition for 2019."

Sauber extends partnership with Ferrari for 2018

A Honda-powered Toro Rosso next season would obviously free-up a supply of Renault engines which could just end up in Woking, at McLaren.

But Yamamoto insists his company's priority is to continue its partnership with McLaren and make things work.

"Right now, we believe we are working in the same direction as McLaren," he said.

"We feel McLaren is still committed to making this project work.

"It's not that we can't provide a good power unit, it's that we can't reach the expectations that were originally set for the partnership yet."

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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.