Honda's Hasegawa bemoans Mercedes progress

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Honda is still chasing Mercedes tail, and if the German power unit has indeed made further steps, it will likely continue chasing this season.

Honda's progress last season was obvious following a dismal 2015, but the Japanese engine powering McLaren still suffered from a substantial deficit compared with its German counterpart.

Honda has deployed huge efforts and resources and the past months to bridge the gap, actually producing a whole new engine.

But Yusuke Hasegawa, Honda's Head of F1 Project & Executive Chief Engineer, admitted that likely remains a few lengths behind Mercedes.

"I don't know how much gain Mercedes has made," said the Japanese engineer.

"Of course, we are aiming to achieve the top level of the power unit - which is clearly Mercedes at this moment - but we don't know how much power they are making now."

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Hasegawa was confident further progress would, at the very least, elevate Honda to Mercedes' 2016 performance level. But with the latter continuing to ascend, a gap will persist.

"I feel we are not far behind, but I think we will catch up with them by the beginning of the season. But I heard they did a very great job, which is very unfortunate.

"I really hope we can close up the gap on them but I don't know the exact numbers until we run, but we have made some progress and I hope we can close up some gap."

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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.