With reliability in check, Honda set on improving power

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Now that its engine has achieved a good level of reliability, Honda will focus on increasing its unit's power output says the manufacturer's F1 chief Masashi Yamamoto.

Honda's days of inconstancy and weakness, when its engines failed almost every other session, have been swept under the rug.

The manufacturer's maiden year of partnership with Toro Rosso, after its three-season botched collaboration with McLaren, saw Honda consolidate its engineering foundation and make impressive strides ahead of the start of its supply deal with Red Bull.

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So far, reliability with both its teams is thoroughly in check. But for Honda to fulfill its ambitions of returning to the winner's circle it will need to dial in more power, while continuing its challenging balancing act admits Yamamoto.

"For Honda, the goal is always to win races," said Yamamoto, quoted by Germany's Speedweek.

"The teams, Honda Research & Development (R & D) and other factors show that we have a good system.

"So far we have focused on the balance of horsepower and reliability. I think we definitely need more horsepower now.

"So we need to keep our heads down and improve."

©RedBull

Yamamoto is hopeful of Honda inching closer to Mercedes and Ferrari this year in terms of sheer power output, but insists the Japanese engine now has an edge over Renault.

"With the help of Red Bull and Toro Rosso, we are in better shape than Renault at the moment, but I do not think we are far ahead of them," he added.

"We have to work hard to increase power while maintaining reliability at a high level. That requires a lot of development work, but without them it's difficult to catch up."

It also require a significant budget, which - like Honda's reliability - Yamamoto must also keep in check.

"We must be careful with the budget in the future," he said. "But I think we're making good choices and the current balance is the best we can do."

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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.