Honda spends first engine tokens on new turbo

Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button’s Honda-powered MP4-31s will be fitted with new turbochargers at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, Motorsport.com reports.

The Japanese manufacturer had been pondering the introduction of an upgrade for several days, with head of F1 project Yusuke Hasegawa saying “power is very important” for Circuit Gilles Villeneuve but adding that a final decision would be made by the end of the week.

According to Motorsport.com, Honda has finally decided to dip into its 14-token allocation and used a couple on the turbo evolution, which aims mainly at improving ERS (energy recovery systems) deployment.

Out of the four engine constructors, Honda is the last to bring an upgrade this year. Last month, Hasegawa told F1i’s Chris Medland that many parts had already been developed but their introduction was limited by the token system, adding that the Japanese power unit could be on par with the Ferrari plant if all evolutions were added.

Honda also brought an upgraded engine to Canada 12 months ago, though it did not prevent Alonso and Button from experiencing one of their tougher race weekends in a challenging 2015 season.

Chris Medland's 2016 Canadian Grand Prix preview

FEATURE: Six races in - 2015 v 2016 comparisons

Ziv Knoll's Indy 500 diary

Alex Wurz: Let's get back to extreme track designs

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