Honda to rely on partner to speed up turbo development

Honda will partner with industrial company IHI to help accelerate the development of its turbo component in its future F1 power unit.

The Japanese manufacturer will double its presence in F1 next season when it supplies front-runner Red Bull Racing, and has subsequently decided to strengthen its ties with subcontractor and turbo specialist IHI.

"We expect this partnership to produce a notable step up in performance. Together, we will keep pushing to fight for wins," said Katsuhide Moriyama, chief officer and brand and communications at Honda

Honda has worked with IHI on turbocharger development since the company’s return to F1 in 2015. The reinforced collaboration is scheduled to last two years and focus on the development and supply of components relating to the turbocharger used in Honda's F1 power unit.

• Honda outspending Renault worries Abiteboul

Now the partnership is being strengthened with the aim of accelerating the development of our Power Unit.

"Through this new technical partnership, our aim is for the Honda PU to deliver the best possible performance, by accelerating development of the turbocharger," added IHI's Yoshinori Kawasaki.

"We hope that as from the 2019 season, Honda's power unit, using the IHI turbocharger, will deliver the sort of performance that thrilled motorsport fans back in the 80s and 90s."

Indeed, Honda's heritage in F1 includes success with Williams, Lotus and especially McLaren.

Unfortunately, the Japanese company's second partnership with the Woking-based outfit, from 2015 to 2017, was a disappointing one, with Honda struggling to get to grips with F1's hybrid technology.

McLaren and Honda split at the end of the last, with the latter switching its allegiance to Toro Rosso.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter