Honda will run its upgraded Formula 1 power unit for the first time during a filming day at the Hungaroring on Wednesday, July 29, before introducing the new-spec engine in race conditions at the Dutch Grand Prix following the summer break.
The Japanese manufacturer's chief engineer Shintaro Orihara confirmed the timeline after the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, where Aston Martin brought its heavily anticipated B-spec AMR26 chassis to Budapest. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished 13th and 14th respectively — beating an Alpine, both Haas cars and both Williams — but the improved chassis performance has shifted the spotlight onto Honda's side of the partnership.
"We will now take the important step of introducing our new-spec power unit in the Netherlands," Orihara said following Sunday's race. "Before then, during Wednesday's filming day, we will run the new engine in the AMR26 for the first time, before the summer shutdown commences."
The filming day will allow Aston Martin to complete a maximum of 200 kilometres of running, providing what Orihara described as a "good opportunity to check how our new engine runs on the chassis."
Honda had already confirmed plans for an upgraded power unit, but the timeline has gained urgency after Aston Martin's B-spec upgrade lifted the team from the back of the grid into genuine midfield contention. Asked whether Honda feels the pressure to deliver on its side of the equation, Orihara was candid.
"To be fair, yes," he replied. "Now we are back to racing the field. Then all improvement is very important to catch up to others. To introduce the new power unit in Zandvoort is quite important now the chassis is working well. So our power unit should bring some laptime gain."
Aston Martin currently sits 10th in the constructors' championship, one place and one point clear of F1 newcomers Cadillac, thanks to Alonso's solitary point scored in Monaco. The team will hope the combined effect of the B-spec chassis and the upgraded Honda power unit can propel them up the standings in the second half of the season.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort takes place from August 21-23, with the summer shutdown period falling between the Hungary filming day and the race weekend.
Sources
- https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1101941/1/honda-reveals-when-new-f1-engine-will-run-race-debut
