Honda can match Mercedes, Arai reaffirms - GPUpdate.net Definitely a thread-worthy post as they [Honda] believe they can catch multiple teams -specifically Mercedes- who already have a full season of data to rely upon for their power unit and shift mapping. Mclaren/Honda will be a force to be reckoned with, but not until at least 2016 IMO. I believe Honda's recent statement is meant to position themselves to better court a top driver, not that there's no possibility of truth to what their stating. The truth they claim won't be realized immediately, but it's definitely a statement worth a go with the fans to prod Mclaren to amp up their driver lineup as well as they've been increasing their aerodynamic/technical lineups.
As many have said, mclaren already have the best engine so I don't see how they will become competitive even if honda produce a better power unit. I predict they will be nowhere next season and no WDC driver will join the team either. Hope they stick with button he's still good
Mclaren should be better next season...they've acquired quite a few very good people recently. I don't think they'll be the team to beat, but they'll be back fighting for the podiums with Mercedes, Red Bull and hopefully Ferrari.
Ron D is is back on mission so I thought, since he stopped messing about with road cars, and his X rated nemesis, is or should be bound and gagged in some Chelsea flat with his pants down maintaining his hobby, a round of golf appears not to be his cup of tea...
I wish Honda the best and welcome back to F1. Great news to see a company be involved again. Early success will be good for all in F1.
I feel for Honda... they needed one more season of patience and they would have been World Champions instead of BrawnGP. It'll be good to see them back in the sport, and I think paired with McLaren is a good place for them. All the best, Andrew.
Agreed. The more the merrier! I'd bet there were much "woulda, coulda, shoulda's" in Japan about Brawns season!.... Talk about bad timing! Having said that, while he had the DD, we'll never know if they'd have been as dominant with Honda power...... Cheers, Ian
Probably worth a quick cross post from the other thread; Again, dunno how reliable these rumors may be, but I'll be really surprised if they don't struggle next season. They're good, & certainly have the resources, but there remains no substitute for actual race experience - Not testing, racing! Cheers, Ian Ferrari exit could open for Alonso on Monday - report | News | Motorsport.com
I'd say Fred should take a chance and jump ship, if RD and him can leave their differences at the door, and concentrate on only common goals : WDC's and WCC.
I wonder who will benefit from such a rumour? I'm sure the Honda powerplant is pretty well guarded, especially if it's not doing so well... Ferrari stands to lose the most here. Wonder what sneaky Italian is spreading rumours in Japan . Mercedes got their extra power because of how the placed the turbo and intercooler. Everyone and his dog knows their little trick now and next year all teams will have the same engine setup, the real difference being in the mapping I would say. Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault have a year extra experience in real mapping, which can to a certain degree be replicated in the factory (Mclaren will send them all data they can now). That's one of the things they have to catch up on. No doubt will they have their issues, but I don't think it'll be as bad as some think...
Fair enough. Personally, I disagree; I think he'd be better served to stay in Maranello. The PU department will get their act together and seems Matiacci may just have a clue. They can't keep on turning out new versions of Clifford, surely? Experience with these things must count, and a years head start remains significant IMO. Further, even with Uncle Ron in charge, Mclaren, even with the all powerful Merc lump continue to struggle - why should next season, with an unproven unit, be any different? As always, my 02c Cheers, Ian
It's a tricky one to call for sure, however IMO, Mclaren are already on the upward curve, I have forgotten how many years Alonso has been at Ferrari now, so it must be a fair few years, and he his no spring chicken now, however I still believe he still has a strong desire to win, the same with Hamilton. So to sum it up, either he sticks with Ferrari and hopes they can give him a better mouse trap, or risks taking a plunge with a new power plant and a team proven that can win him WDC's not saying Ferrari cannot do that, but how long does he wait. I know what I'd like to see and respect him for.
McLaren was the fastest car at the end of 2012 season until leadership took it in the wrong direction the following season. 2015 will be warmup season They will be in the top 3 fight for WDC WCC in 2016
If Honda didn't think that they could compete at the top level they wouldn't be entering F1 so how is that statement a surprise? Don't discount Macca based on this year's record. MB did not give them complete access to engine data while the chassis was being designed for fear of it leaking to Honda. Without it they could not optimally integrate the design. And integration of the entire package is crucial under the new formula.
I haven't seen anyone saying that. Just that they've got a great track record, a year to learn from other designs and a good shot at success. No guarantees in F1.
They don't have to say it. But lots of people in other threads saying that Alonso and Lewis can escape their current teams and return to Mclaren Honda. For what? Like you pointed out...nothing is guaranteed in F1.
ESPN F1 - Honda quoting they can match Mercedes next year Let's not forget Merc and others are under a development freeze and Honda is NOT Plus I'm sure they have had a peek at Merc's engine thru McLaren - Love Honda hope they ROCK
