Honda motorsport boss Yasuhisa Arai claims the relationship between the Japanese manufacturer and its supplied team McLaren is “stronger” one year on from the start of their reunion.
Honda officially returned to Formula One 12 months ago when McLaren protégé Stoffel Vandoorne debuted the interim MP4-29H at Abu Dhabi (see picture). However, the Belgian’s mileage was very limited due to a series of power unit-related issues.
That proved to be an ominous sign of things to come, with the two partners enduring a torrid 2015 campaign.
Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button’s progress has been repeatedly blighted by poor engine reliability and performance. Despite the numerous setbacks, Arai insists Honda and McLaren enjoy a closer relationship.
“So much has happened since McLaren-Honda's new beginnings here in Abu Dhabi last year,” he said. “We have come a long way since that first test, and although we have had a difficult and eventful season in 2015, the team is as united as ever.
“The amount of changes that have gone into both the car and the power units this year with such speed has been incredible. Both Woking and Sakura have been working tirelessly throughout the year, and together with the drivers, their bond has become stronger as the season progressed. I am thankful for all their hard work, and encouraged by their enthusiasm to improve further over the winter.
“Yas Marina Circuit is an entertaining event that is fitting for the final battle of the season. Our focus will be to end the season giving it our all, and to continue making improvements.”
Ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren-Honda sits ninth in the Constructors’ championship, only heading F1 minnows Manor Marussia.
Unfinished business: the scores still to be settled in Abu Dhabi
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