Honda hoping for 'memorable' last Japanese GP with McLaren

As Honda heads to its last home race with McLaren, Yusuke Hasegawa is hoping the Japanese manufacturer and its partner will deliver a strong performance.

The painful partnership is in its last few races but both parties are still determined to make the most of their unsuccessful association.

"It will be our last Japanese Grand Prix as McLaren Honda, therefore it is a special race for the team," says Honda F1 boss Hasegawa.

"I myself have strong feelings for this race and I‘m hoping to make it as memorable as possible for both the team and fans.

"After having another positive weekend in Malaysia, we have built up good momentum heading to our home grand prix in Japan.

"We always enjoy going back to our home circuit and being waited for by warm and cheerful Japanese fans. The atmosphere encourages us a lot and we hope we can give them a great race."

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McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is equally motivated to see its drivers perform well at a venue which holds a special meaning.

"Everyone at McLaren Honda is excited to return to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, in a country that has effectively become our second home," says Boullier

"Suzuka is one of the most iconic tracks on the entire calendar, and of course an important venue for us and our partner Honda.

"Naturally, our aim is to do everything we can to support both them and our amazing fans there, who are among the most passionate of any country we visit all over the world."

McLaren-Honda may have its work cut out for it at Suzuka's highly powoer-hungry track.

"We know Suzuka won’t be the easiest track on which to shine, but every team up and down the paddock loves it for its formidable twists and turns, and its unique set of challenges that make it all the more rewarding to get right.

"We’re all aware of its characteristically power-dependent nature, but there are technical sections, such as the flow of corners in Sector One, where our package should be better able to show it strengths, and it’ll be good to see just how fast these 2017 cars go on this track."

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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.