Honda to 'replenish reserves' during summer break

©WRI2

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Honda will take a short pause during the summer break before regrouping for the remainder of the season as it aims to improve its performance.

McLaren's engine partner is in the process of healing after a dismal start of the season. Reliability of the Japanese manufacture's power unit appears to be on the mend, an advance which hopefully will lead in turn to increased power.

McLaren-Honda says it enjoyed a productive two-day test in Hungary this week, running Stoffel Vandoorne on Tuesday and junior Lando Norris on Wednesday.

Honda took the opportunity to collect valuable information which it will analyse and exploit to achieve hopefully further progress before the Belgian GP at Spa at the end of the month.

"The team fitted some new elements after the lunch break on day two which slightly delayed our return to the track," said Honda's principal engineer Satoshi Nakamura.

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"However, Lando still managed to complete 91 laps in his first outing behind the wheel of the MCL32.

"We were also able to collect precious data for further improvement of both performance and reliability, in readiness for a good start to the second half of the season."

"The team now goes into the summer break; a chance to take a breath and replenish the reserves after a tough first half of the year, before we gear up again for the remainder of the season.

"Having finished a positive race and test here in Hungary, we're also really looking forward to getting back on track in Spa-Francorchamps to show competitive pace 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.