Tost: 'Far too early to speculate on Honda engine penalties'

Toro Rosso's Franz Tost says he'll wait to see how the Honda engine performs in testing before he worries about engine penalties in 2018.

Formula 1's power unit restrictions will tighten even further next year, with drivers allowed just three engines for the entire season.

Honda's agonizing struggles with reliability during its partnership with McLaren will likely fuel anxiety in the Toro Rosso camp, but team boss Franz Tost says there is no sense in building up the worries for now.

"First of all we must see next year's engine tested, and then we can think about possible penalties," he told Motorsport.com. "But it's far too early now.

"The reason we requested to work together with Honda is that we are convinced that the company has a lot of potential, it's a worldwide known car manufacturer with a fantastic motorsport history.

Toro Rosso's Key working hard to fit Honda engine

"And we at Toro Rosso are proud to work together with such an exclusive partner.

"Now it's time to come up with activities and hopefully bring the complete operation from Toro Rosso's side as well as Honda's side to success."

Tost admits the Faenza-based outfit will benefit from augmented R&D resources thanks to its Honda deal. But the Austrian manager insists the team will proceed with caution.

"A budget is one story, building up an infrastructure is another story," he says.

"All this takes time, and of course if we need to do something urgently on the R&D side we will push for this within our resources.

"However, we are bringing in some new people, because we have to do it.

We had a completely different plan for 2018, we wanted to use the complete rear end from Red Bull Racing, or Red Bull Technology, which is not the case anymore because we have a different engine, and we have to bring in people to bring this project to a successful end. But this is a normal process."

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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.