Honda

Todt in communication with Honda and willing to help

FIA president Jean Todt is ready to lend a helping hand to Honda in order to keep the Japanese manufacturer in Formula 1 next season.

As McLaren mulls its future with Honda and undertakes crucial talks with its engine partner, rumors have emerged that the manufacturer could transfer its power unit supply to Toro Rosso if the Woking-based outfit parts ways with Honda.

But if Toro Rosso elects to remain with current supplier Renault, Honda would have no other choice but to pull the plug on its F1 program, a prospect Todt wants to avoid.

But the matter is further complicated by Renault's inability to supply a fourth team, not to mention an FIA ruling which theoretically forbids such a possibility.

"I really hope they [Honda] will not leave," said Todt who also revealed that he had been in communication with Honda's representatives this week.

McLaren-Renault talks ongoing but 'it's complicated', says Brown

"First, from what I understand now, no manufacturers can supply more than three teams - even if we forget the regulation.

"If you make it easily, three by three it makes nine. So it means that we will end up with a team without an engine, which we don’t want. And we made regulations to avoid that, which needed to be applied before June.

"Now there is a team, the team has a contract – so we will see. I don’t want to comment on facts which are not completely clear at the moment.

"If the time comes, I will be happy to comment and if I can participate to help to make sure that everybody can stay in the business, then I will do the utmost for that."

Honda motorsport boss Masahi Yamamoto is present at Monza this weekend to hold talks with McLaren, and probably Toro Rosso, in order to reach an acceptable solution for all involved parties.

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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.