Horner rubbishes rumors of Honda vibration issues

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Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner denied a paddock rumor that the Honda engine was suffering from vibrations linked to the unit's tight integration into the team's RB15 chassis.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit switched to Honda power this season and engineered its 2019 car around the Japanese manufacturer's engine package.

Reports emerged on Wednesday in Barcelona that the vibrations were preventing Red Bull from running the Honda engine at full capacity, but Horner ridiculed the claims.

Toro Rosso's Kvyat puts in late charge to top Day 3!

"There’s absolutely no vibration issue that we encountered at all in any of the running," he told RaceFans' Dieter Rencken. "So I’m not quite sure where that’s come from.

"Red Bull Technology, having dealt with the integration of the drivetrain with Toro Rosso during the last year, had a pretty decent knowledge of what to expect.

"The working relationship with Honda and communication has been strong.

"The integration of the engine into the chassis and drivetrain has been one of the best, if not the best, that I’ve seen we’ve been able to do. So it’s a very neat package," added Horner who indeed described the RB15's engine installation as "a thing of beauty" earlier this week.

Max Verstappen enjoyed a productive day of running at the Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday, totaling 109 laps during which the Dutchman ran through his team's various programmes without a snag either on the chassis or engine front.

"The car’s hitting the targets that we’ve set," said Horner.

"As we always see at this time of year it’s too easy to get sucked into other people’s business.

"We’re very much focused on what we’re doing and our own program. And so far everything is running to plan.”

Sister team Toro Rosso also had a trouble-free day, with no Honda issues to report on its end and with Daniil Kvyat achieving the fastest lap of the session.

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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.